Recent investigations into the treatment of schistosomiasis by miracil D in Egypt

Abstract

1. (1)

   It has been shown that miracil D has a marked curative effect on S. haematobium, while the effect on S. mansoni is perhaps less pronounced.

2. (2)

   The side effects of the drug can be reduced by giving coated tablets, the methylenebis-hydroxynaphthoate or the salicylate. It is possible that, after further investigation, the salicylate will prove to be the most satisfactory salt to date.

3. (3)

   Because of the difficulty of proving cure after treatment, a combination of three tests of cure was evolved for each species of schistosome.

4. (4)

   This combination of tests greatly reduced the actual cure rates after miracil treatment, although clinically most patients appeared cured.

5. (5)

   Examination of some 250 Egyptian villagers by these tests and by the routine methods gave the following result: routine method, 54 per cent. positive for S. haematobium; combined methods, 96 per cent. positive.

6. (6)

   Further trials of miracil in different countries are recommended so that the compound found to be least irritant, while remaining effective, may be chosen.