This longitudinal study aimed to assess whether regular anti-Giardia and antihelmintic treatment improved growth and small intestinal mucosal function of rural Bangladeshi infants.
A randomised double-blind controlled intervention of 36 weeks duration was conducted in a rural community located 40kms north-west of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Infants aged between 3 and 11 months were randomly assigned to either receiving anti-Giardia and antihelmintic treatment, or anti-Giardia treatment only, or a control group receiving placebos. Weight and supine length were recorded every 4 weeks. Every 12 weeks intestinal permeability (L/M ratio), haemoglobin, plasma albumin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, immunoglobulin G and Giardia intestinalis specific IgM titre (GSIgM) and eggs of the three common geohelminths and Giardia intestinalis cysts were determined.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
410
Every 4 weeks: Secnidazole (70mg/ml suspension, 0.5ml per kg of body weight) or a placebo was administered Every 12 weeks: Albendazole (syrup, 200mg)
Every 4 weeks: Secnidazole (70mg/ml suspension, 0.5ml per kg of body weight) Every 12 weeks: placebo of Albendazole
Every 4 weeks: Secnidazole placebo Every 12 weeks: Albendazole placebo
National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine
Mohakhali, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
nutritional status
Time frame: 9 months
intestinal permeability
Time frame: 9 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.