Effects of diethylcarbamazine treatment of Brugia malayi microfilaria carriers
Rao, C.K.; Chandrasekharan, A.; Cherian, C.; Rao, C.K.; Russel, S.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 73(Suppl): 87-92
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 7287100 Document Number: 168653
Seventy-five carriers of B. malayi microfilariae in Kerala, India, were treated with diethylcarbamazine at 6 mg/kg body-weight daily for 12 days by mouth. 66 (80%) became free from microfilariae in 12 days. The other 15 were immediately given a 2nd course and they became permanently negative. Of the 60 patients given only one course, 5.7 to 13.2% showed microfilariae during the next 10 months but none at the 11th month. 64 patients (85%) had reactions to diethylcarbamazine, chiefly fever, headache, bodyache and nausea. In 22.6% of patients the reactions were severe.