Anti-Helminths

Question 1

** What is albendazole?

Answer 1

• treats hookworms with a SINGLE DOSE (esp. for mass treating programs in developing countries), which are the leading cause of iron deficiency anemia in developing countries.
• treats toxocariasis and cystercercosis

Question 2

** How does Benzimidazole (BZA) work?

thiabendazole, mebendazole, albendazole…

Answer 2

• inhibits microtubule polymerization by binding to B-tubulin, thus cuasing degenerative changes in integumental and intestinal cells of helminths, resulting in immobilization and death of parasite.
• selective and irreversible inhibition of glucose uptake by the parasite.
• for SOIL TRANSMITTED NEMATODES (STN)

Question 3

What drug do you use to treat strongyloidiasis?

Answer 3

Thiabendazole (chewable tablet after a meal)

Question 4

*** Does albendazole ore mebendazole have better absorption?

Answer 4

ALBENDAZOLE, so use mebendazole for GI dwelling nematodes.

Question 5

What is Pyrantel pamoate?

Answer 5

• anti-helminth drug used for ascariasis and enterobiasis

Question 6

What does Piperazine do?

Answer 6

paralyzes ascaris by acting as an agonist at GABA receptors. IT is antagonistic to pyrantel pamoate.

Question 7

** What is Ivermectin? (TEST QUESTION)

Answer 7

• derived from Strep avermitilis (soil sample from a Japanese golf course).
• Given as a single dose on EMPTY STOMACH (highly lipophilic) to clear microfilaria from the skin.
• used for onchocerciasis (RIVER BLINDNESS), STRONGYLOIDIASIS, lymphatic filariasis, SCABIES, and cutaneous larva migrans.
• for mass deworming also

Question 8

What is a hydatid cyst?

Answer 8

Echinococcosis= tapeworm infection that affects the liver, lungs, brain, and other organs.

Question 9

Anytime you see gross hematuria what should you think?

Answer 9

Schistosomiasis= flatworm that can cause portal HTN and hematuria

Question 10

** What is praziquantel? (TEST QUESTION)

Answer 10

treats schistosomiasis and for mass deworming!

Question 11

Are there any vaccines for parasitic infections?

Answer 11

NO

Question 12

Remember, what will be elevated with parasitic (helminthic) infections?

Answer 12

IgE and eosinophil counts

Question 13

What is a common symptom of Paragonimiasis?

Answer 13

hemoptysis

*treat with praziquantel

Question 14

*** What is Trypanosoma cruzi? (protozoa)

Answer 14

the kissing bug transmitts this protozoa causing Chaga’s disease, which can cause dilated cardiomyopathy, megacolon, and megaesophagus (dysphagia or odonyphagia)
*diagnose via serology

Question 15

What are some signs of Chaga’s disease?

Answer 15

• Romana sign (signs at portal of entry)
• fever, systemic symptoms
• hepatosplenomegaly
• heart block

Question 16

What are Pyrethroids (permethrin)?

Answer 16

• OTC insect repellents that affect voltage-gated sodium channels, causing delayed repolarization by impeding sodium channel closure.
• They paralyze the louse through hyperstimulation of the nervous system, preventing it from feeding.

Question 17

What is used for head lice?

Answer 17

• spinosad