Chemotherapy of human cystic echinococcosis: comparative efficacy of mebendazole and albendazole

The relative efficacy of mebendazole (MEB) and albendazole (ALB) was tested by treating 51 patients with single, multiple and multi-organ hydatid cysts; 28 patients were treated with MEB, 50-70 mg kg-1 body weight daily for six to 24 months, and 23 with ALB, 10 mg kg-1 body weight daily in four courses of 30 days with 15-day intervals between courses. The therapeutic effect during the follow-up was assessed by ultrasonography, computerized tomography and chest X-ray. The criteria used when assessing the results were: 'success', evidence of effect on all cysts; 'partial success', evidence of effect on some of the cysts; and 'no success', no changes in cyst morphology. Treatment with MEB was successful in eight cases (28.6%), partially successful in eight (28.6%) and unsuccessful in 12 (42.8%). Treatment with ALB was successful in 10 cases (43.5%), partially successful in 10 (43.5%) and unsuccessful in three (13.0%).