Comparative efficacy of Levamisole, Mebendalzole and Pyrantel Pamoate against common intestinal nematodes among children in Calabar, South-South Nigeria

Introduction: Continued endemicity of intestinal nematodes infestation in children in our environment despite availability of potent and safe anthelmintic drugs is of public health interest. Objective: This study assessed the comparative efficacy of selected anthelmintic drugs namely Mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate and levamisole-against common intestinal nematodes namely Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator amer icanus) and Trichuris trichuria in children in Calabar Municipality, South- South Nigeria Method: One hundred and thirty eight pupils from four primary schools in Ikot Ishie/Ikot Ansa communities of Calabar with worm infestation (Ascaris, hookworm and Trichuris including mixed infestation) were randomized by simple balloting to one of the following anthelmintic drugs (Mebendazole 500mg, Pyrantel 10mg/kg or Levamisole 2.5mg/ kg). The efficacy of the drugs was determined by the level of clearance of worm egg/ova from fresh stool samples of the pupils on post-treatment examination. Result: The study showed the three anthelmintic drugs displaying one hundred percent (100%) efficacy in respect of Ascaris and trichuris worms, but less so for hookworm. Mebendazole displayed 90.48%, Pyrantel 45.16%) and Levamisole (17.86%) efficacy level against hookworm. Conclusion: The overall result indicates that Mebendazole was the most efficacious agent against the three common intestinal worms.