Effectiveness of Combined Albendazole and Ivermectin Treatment for Intestinal Worm Infections
Condition: Ascariasis; Trichuriasis; Hookworm Infection; Strongyloidiasis; Pediculosis
MeSH terms: Infections; Communicable Diseases; Hookworm Infections; Lice Infestations; Ancylostomiasis; Strongyloidiasis; Trichuriasis; Ascariasis
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and impact on growth of two drug treatments
      against intestinal worms in schoolchildren from a rural area of Guatemala. According to the
      World Bank, these intestinal worms are one of the top causes of childhood health problems in
      many areas of the developing world (The World Bank, 1993). Infected children are more likely
      to have inadequate nutrition due to the worm infections and are more likely to be shorter in
      height and weigh less than children who are not infected. After collecting height and weight
      information, we will split the children into two groups. One group will receive albendazole
      and the other group will receive combined albendazole/ivermectin. Both groups will be
      receiving albendazole, the current standard of care treatment. Ivermection is expected to
      improve efficacy and nutritional benefit as well as add increased scope of treatment for the
      worm Strongyloides, and ectoparasites such as scabies and head lice. Both treatment regimens
      and the combination have been used millions of times in the developing world and are safe to
      use. Co-administration of drugs would be a more efficient use of the opportunity to access
      schoolchildren and provide deworming treatment.
    

Detailed description: 
      The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and nutritional impact of two drug
      treatments against intestinal helminths from a rural area of Guatemala. The helminths that
      will be analyzed in this study are Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm.
      Because of the manifestations of these helminths infections, nutritional status can
      deteriorate in infected persons. According to the World Bank, these helminths are one of the
      top causes of childhood morbidity in many areas of the developing world (The World Bank,
      1993).

      This information will be gathered by collecting stool samples from schoolchildren, in order
      to determine the prevalence of infection in children living around Poptun, Guatemala. Height
      and weight measurements will also be taken, along with a visual exam of the skin for other
      parasitic skin infections. Children with an inadequate nutritional status are likely to be
      shorter in height and weigh less than children reared in an area with a low prevalence of
      helminths. After collecting this baseline information, we will split the children into two
      groups. One group will receive albendazole and the other group will receive
      albendazole/ivermectin. Both groups will be receiving is albendazole, the current standard of
      care treatment. Ivermectin is expected to improve efficacy and nutritional benefit as well as
      adding increased scope of treatment (Strongyloides, ectoparasites such as scabies and head
      lice). Both treatment regimens and the combination have been used millions of times in the
      developing world and are safe to use. Co-administration of drugs is thought to be a more
      efficient use of the opportunity to access schoolchildren and provide health improvements.
      Providing data to support expanded treatment options will provide public health officials
      with the data needed to make such decisions.
    

Intervention name(s): albendazole vs. combined albendazole/ivermectin treatment
Intervention type(s): Drug
Intervention MeSH terms: Ivermectin; Albendazole
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: ascaris; trichuris; strongyloides; hookworm; head lice