David Botero

Short course albendazole treatment for neurocysticercosis in Columbia

The efficacy of albendazole was evaluated in 20 Colombian patients with neurocysticercosis showing neurological symptoms. All had parenchymal non-enhancing cystic images by computerized tomography and a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for cysticercus antibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid. They stayed in hospital for 8 d during treatment with albendazole, 15 mg/kg/d in 2 divided doses, and were then followed for at least 6 months after treatment. The number of cysts was reduced by 50% after 6 months. In 7 (35%) all cysts disappeared, in 7 (35%) the number was reduced, and in the remaining 6 (30%) the number was unchanged. In the 13 patients who still had cysts at 6 months, 11 showed a moderate decrease in average cyst size and in 2 the size was unchanged. Side effects during treatment were observed in 60% of the cases, but only 3 required corticosteroids.

Nematode Infections of Man: Intestinal Infections

In most underdeveloped regions of the world, especially the tropical areas, intestinal helminthiases present high prevalence rates, similar to those found a half-century ago (Botero, 1981). The varied and sometimes important symptomatology caused by these worms, the lowering of work efficiency, and the deterioration of nutritional status are deleterious consequences requiring efficient confrontation not only by traditional measures such as installation of latrines, potable water, wearing of shoes, instruction, and personal hygiene, but also by medical treatment to individuals or to affected populations.

Treatment of acute and chronic intestinal amoebiasis with entamide furoate

Abstract A clinical investigation of Entamide furoate in 136 ambulatory patients suffering from acute and chronic intestinal amoebiasis has been carried out in Colombia. Examination of the first stool after treatment showed 82.3 per cent. negative. At this time symptoms attributed to the amoebic infection disappeared in 72 per cent. Second and third stool examinations showed lower percentages negative, mainly as a result of reinfections, as we had opportunity to demonstrate in a group of patients. The cure rate was higher in patients passing cysts than in those passing trophozoites. The only side effect was flatulence in 10.5 per cent.

Treatment of intestinal amoebiasis and vaginal trichpmoniasis with panidazole and its comparison with metronidazole

A dose range study in 18 patients suffering from intestinal amoebiasis and treated with doses of panidazole between 1.0 and 2.0 g per day for six days revealed that the best therapeutic results were obtained with the higher dose. This dose was then compared with metronidazole, at the same dose, in a clinical trial in 100 patients with intestinal amoebiasis. Cure rates were 68% and 80% for the two drugs respectively. In 100 cases of vaginal trichomoniasis treated with panidazole at the dose of 1.0 g per day for seven days in half of the patients and for 10 days in the other half, we obtained 50% and 60% cure rates. The results of our studies with both amoebiasis and trichomoniasis were not superior to those obtained with metronidazole and other nitroimidazole derivatives. Side effects were found in 74% of the patients treated for amoebiasis and in 46% of the cases treated for trichomoniasis. No toxic effects were revealed by haematological, biochemical and renal function tests nor by cardiovascular studies.