Trematode infections

Kiesecker, J.M., Synergism between trematode infection and pesticide exposure a link to amphibian limb deformities in nature , Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 99, 9900, 2002. 

Lively, C.M. (2001) Trematode infection and the distribution and dynamics of parthenogenetic snail populations. Parasitology 123(SuppI.), S19-S26. 

Niclofolan has been used to treat trematode infections, including clonorchiasis, fascioliasis, and paragonimiasis. Sweating, generalized pains, and transient rises in serum transaminase activities have been reported with niclofolan in the treatment of pulmonary infections due to Paragonimus uterobilaterali (SEDA-11, 597) (1). 

Several species of trematodes infect the bile duct and liver of man and ani-... 

In addition to the above natural products, the ipecac alkaloid, emetine (6, chapter 15) and the antibiotic paromomycin (18, chapter 15), which are primarily used as antiprotozoal drugs, have also been found to be effective in the chemotherapy of trematode infections in humans. 

Although a number of salicylanihde anthelmintics have been developed, most of them find use in the treatment of cestode and trematode infections in domestic animals. Niclosamide (4) is the only drug which has been extensively used to cure cestode infections in human. 

This group comprises drugs mainly used for trematode infections such as e.g. schistosomiasis. Various plant extracts have been tested in Africa and Latin America with promising results, e.g. Phytolacca- dodecandra. L Her (Endod or soapberry) which contains saponins which kill the snails which act as vectors for the parasite. 

Answer D. Praziquantel is the drug of choice for treatment of all fluke (trematode) infections and most tapeworm (cestode) infections. Its antihelminthic action derives from an increase in membrane permeability to Ca, which results in contraction, followed by paralysis, of worm musculature. Mebendazole also has antihelminthic activity, hut it is restricted to the nematodes. The other drugs listed are antiprotozoals. 

Clinical use Mebendazole is a drag of choice for pinworm and whipworm infections. It is one of two drugs of choice (with pyrantel pamoate) for roundworm and for combined infections with ascarids and hookworm. Mebendazole can also be used as a backup drag in certain cestode and trematode infections. Less than 10% of the drag is absorbed systemi-cally after oral use, and this portion is metabolized rapidly. 

Uses The use of myrrh in treating human trematode infections in Egypt has been reviewed [12 ]. 

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