Human fascioliasis in Egypt: effect of infection and efficacy of bithionol treatment

The present study was conducted on 14 patients with established fascioliasis. The effect of infection on the haematological and biochemical parameters was determined and the liver and gall bladder were studied by ultrasonography. Bithionol was given in the dose of 30 mg kg-1 body weight every other day for 5 doses. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by egg and eosinophilic counts and quantitative estimation of antibody titres by indirect haemagglutination test. Results revealed that fascioliasis caused normocytic hypochromic anaemia and eosinophilia. Serum bilirubin, ALT and AST were within normal range. Ultrasonography showed a normal echogenic pattern of the liver and gall bladder. One case showed thickness of the gall bladder wall which was tender under the transiducer. Fasciola eggs disappeared completely after the 5th dose giving a cure rate of 100%. Antibody titres reached a normal level at the end of the 3rd month post treatment. Bithionol proved to be a potent fasciolicidal drug with minimal side-effects.