Infestation with worms is very common. It is caused by poor hygiene or contact of bare skin with soil in which the worm or its eggs live.
COMMON WORM INFESTATIONS
• Hookworm
• Ascariasis
• Strongyloidiasis
• Tape worm
• Thread worm
• Whip worm
SYMPTOMS
• Generalised Itching - when the larvae are in the bloodstream
• Perianal itching - threadworm
• Dry cough and wheeze -when the larvae pass through the lungs
• Abdominal discomfort and sometimes pain
• General weakness and easy fatigability
• Presence of worm(s) in the stool, or vomitus
SIGNS
• Large swollen abdomen in children
• Anaemia
• Wheezing
• Poor physical growth in children
• Signs of malnutrition
TREATMENT
Treatment objectives
• To rid the gut of worms
• To correct effect of infestation e.g: anaemia, malnutrition
Pharmacological Treatment
(Evidence rating: B)
For Hookworm, Ascaris, Whipworm, *Threadworm:
*For threadworm infestations repeat treatment after 3 weeks
Mebendazole, oral,
Adults and children above 2 years; |
100 mg twice daily for 3 days |
Not recommended in children below 2 years and in pregnant women..
or
Albendazole, oral,
Adults and children above 2 years; |
400 mg as a single dose |
Children below 2 years; |
200 mg as a single dose |
Not recommended during pregnancy
For strongyloides
Tiabendazole (Thiabendazole), oral,
Adults: |
1.5 g twice a day for 3 days |
Children: |
25 mg/kg body weight twice a day for 3 days |
or
Albendazole, oral,
Adults and children above 2 years; |
400 mg twice daily for 3 days. Repeat after 3 weeks if necessary |
Children below 2 years; |
200 mg once daily for 3 days |
Not recommended during pregnancy
For tape worm
Niclosamide, oral,
Adults and children above 6yrs; |
2g as a single dose |
Children: |
|
2-6 years; |
1 g as a single dose |
0-2 years; |
500 mg as a single dose. |
Chew tablets 2 hours before a meal.
or
Praziquantel, oral,
Adults and children; |
10-20 mg/kg body weight as a single dose |
For treatment of anaemia and malnutrition,(see appropriate Section)
