NTD News for Africa

Introduction Parasitic helminth infections, including lymphatic filariasis (LF), schistosomiasis and soiltransmitted helminthiasis (STH), are prevalent and often co-exist among poor populations in the developing world. Schistosomiasis and STH have particularly high prevalence among school-aged children, and LF is also more prevalent in this population than previously thought. Ivermectin (IVM) and albendazole (ALB) are used in combination to treat LF; praziquantel (PZQ) is used to treat schistosomiasis; and ALB (or mebendazole) is used to treat STH. These drugs are delivered separately in two drug packages (IVM+ALB and PZQ±ALB) in the current integrated national control programs on the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Considering the co-endemicity of these three diseases, combining treatment for simultaneous control of these diseases using a single-dose drug package would minimize costs and increase coverage. Single-dose combination treatment is believed to increase patient adherence, prove less difficult in terms of distribution and be more cost effective. The aim of the study was therefore to test the safety of co-administration of ALB, IVM and PZQ as a single-dose package in the treatment of children aged 5-18 with various infection statuses with LF, schistosomiasis and STH.