The Effectiveness of Albendazole-Levamisole and Mebendazole-Levamisole on the Intensity of Trichuris trichiura Infection in Elementary School Children

Abstract

Background: Trichuris trichiura worm infection is still a major public health problem in Indonesia, especially in peripheral areas. Until now, the search for antihelmintic combinations that have a high healing ability against T. trichi-ura infections and in the search for truly effective worming is still being done. Albendazole and Mebendazole single doses still show limited efficacy in the treatment of T. trichuria worms. The combination of Albendazole with Levamisol can increase effectiveness, but this combination still needs further investigation. Based on that fact, it is necessary to study the effectiveness comparison of the degree of infection intensity between the treatment of Albendazol-Levamisol and Me-bendazol-Levamisol against T. trichiura. Subjects and Method: A double blind ran-domized control trial was conducted at the State Elementary School in Medan, North Sumatera, from April to October 2019. A sample of 60 children was selected for this study. The dependent variable was the number of eggs decreased, the cure rate, and side effects. The independent variables were Albendazole 400 mg-Levamisol 50 mg/ 100 mg and Mebendazole 500 mg-Levamisol 50 mg/100 mg. The stools of elementary school children were examined using the Kato-Katz method to find eggs of T. trichiura infection. Data analysis was performed using the Chi square test.