The significance of tropical heminthiases for the populations of tropical countries is discussed and a survey on the incidence of these
parasitic infections is given. The difference between
infection and disease is explained, and the properties of an ideal
drug for combatting the different diseases are described. After a short comment on the goals of the primary and secondary screening procedures the authors refer to WHO's Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. As to the different forms of
filariasis, the most important problem is
onchocerciasis due to the high rate of
blindness. The existing drugs (
suramin DEC) are evaluated, however, there is a need for a safe, macrofilaricidal
drug. The
chemotherapy of
filariasis caused by W. bancrofti and B. malayi and the drugs used is also discussed. Thereafter, a survey on the
chemotherapy of
schistosomiasis and the drugs at hand and in development is given with special reference to
praziquantel.
Chemotherapy of opistorchiasis and
clonorchiasis is still unsatisfactory. The problems arising from this situation are mentioned. Up to now, we have a similar situation in
hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus species. The
therapy of choice is operation, however, in animal experiments it could be demonstrated that
benzimidazole derivatives inhibit the growth of
cysts what indicates the possibility of
chemotherapy in man also. Finally, a survey is given on anthelminthic drugs for the
therapy of different forms of
intestinal helminthiasis with special regard to
ancylostomiasis.