Unit 3: K53.Antihelminths Flashcards
What are helminths?
worms
What is the goal for helminth treatment in the developing world?
control, not eradication
What does Albendazole treat?
most worms
Who often receives Albendazole in the U.S.?
returning travelers
How do you know if someone needs Albendazole?
submit a stool sample for ova and parasites
the lab looks for worms and eggs
What does Ivermectin treat?
onchocerciasis (eye)
What is unfortunate about treatment with Ivermectin?
as patients are treated, symptoms can worsen as worms die inside the body; treatment of onchocerciasis can take 10 years or more
What does Praziquantel treat?
schistosome infections
How does Praziquantel work?
it paralyzes the worms; they become dislodged; and we poop them out
How do we diagnose parasites?
unexplained eosinophilia
get a CBC with Diff
if + eosinophils, try Albendazole and see if that fixes it
