The main biochemical target points of some antiparasitic drugs were discussed; nucleic acids and carbohydrate metabolism being the targets for chemotherapeutic attack in Protozoa and microtubules and nervous systems - the targets in helminths.
Control of taeniarhynchosis with various preparations is discussed, a high effectivity of Yomesan (ca. 85%) and prasiquantel (100%) being indicated. The prasiquantel is also very effective in the treatment of hymenolepidosis (ca. 85%), and useful in treatment of some cases of cysticercosis and echinococcosis.
The authors treated 15 students (Asia, Africa) infected with Hymenolepis nana, using a single dose of praziquantel Biltricid of 30 mg/kg b.w., administered as two portions 15 mg/kg b.w. each, with an interval of 6 hrs. After two months the parasites were found to be absent in 13 persons (86.7%). The tolerance for Biltricid was found to be good, though an ultimate answer to the question of its medical application requires further studies.