Efficacy of a Single dose versus a Multiple Dose Regimen of Mebendazole against Hookworm Infections among School Children: A Randomized Single-Blinded Trial

Abstract Background : Despite the existence of population-based control program using single dose albendazole or mebendazole as a preventive chemotherapy, Hookworm disease transmissions remains high. It causes a negative impact on the growth and school performance of children. In connection to this preventive chemotherapy, different studies produced conflicting results. This study evaluated the efficacy of single (500mg) versus multiple doses (100mg twice a day during three consecutive days) of mebendazole against Hookworm infections among school aged children. Methods : This randomized single-blinded clinical trial took place among school-aged children (6-14 years old) in Burie and Debre Elias towns, Northwest Ethiopia. Using simple randomization, eligible Hookworm positive children were allocated (1:1) to either a single or multiple doses treatment arm. Stool samples were collected and processed using McMaster method at baseline and follow-up period (14-21 days after treatment). Main outcome measures : The cure rate against Hookworm and egg reduction rate for determining the changes in infection intensity were the main outcome measures after 14-21 days following dosing. An independent t-test was used to compare group means, and logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR). P-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. Result: 109 children were participated in both treatment arms. Cure rate against Hookworm was significantly higher in the multiple dose (96.1%) than in the single dose (30.8%) with (OR=55.125; 95% CI: 11.92-254.9; P < 0.001). The egg reduction rate in the multiple dose treatment arm (99.5%) was also significantly higher than in the single dose arm (68.9%) with difference (t (101) =5.38; 95% CI 230.95-505.36; P < 0.001). Conclusion : The single dose regimen of mebendazole for the treatment of Hookworm infection showed poor efficacy, while the multiple dose revealed satisfactory efficacy. Moreover, infection intensity reduction was not achieved following single dosing. Therefore, we strongly recommend replacing the single dose mebendazole regimen with multiple dose regimen during deworming program in hookworm endemic areas. Trial registration : This trial is registered in www.pactr.org , # PACTR201911466695052