[Trichuriasis in Cuba]. / Trichuriasis en Cuba.

A representative sample of the Cuban population (11,364) is studied by using Willis and direct coproparasitological techniques. It was found that Trichuris trichiura is the most prevailing intestinal parasite (17.8%). A higher frequency of this kind of geohelminthiasis in people living in Cuban rural zones is seen. A prevalence peak is found in ages from 6 to 9 years, and a higher association of parasitism was found in those with worst hygienic and sanitary conditions.

[Comparison of several coproparasitological techniques for the diagnosis of soil-transmitted intestinal helminthiasis]. / Comparación de varias técnicas coproparasitológicas para el diagnóstico de geohelmintiasis intestinales.

Five hundred and eleven samples of feces were examined by several coproparasitological techniques: Kato-Katz, Willis, Ritchie and direct wet mount. It was found that Kato-Katz was the most reliable technique for the diagnosis of Trichuris trichiura, Necator americanus, and Ascaris lumbricoides, demonstrating the largest number of cases. Willis, Ritchie and direct wet mount were effective in that order. Taking into account that Kato-Katz is a quantitative method, it should be recommended in the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminthiasis.

[Single dose mebendazole for the treatment of Trichuris trichiura and Necator americanus in chemotherapeutic control campaigns in the communities]. / Estudio de dosis única de mebendazol para el tratamiento de Trichuris trichiura y Necator americanus en campañas de control quimioterapéutico en las comunidades.

A study of intestinal parasitism is made in "Argelia Libre" community, Isle of Youth, by means of four coproparasitologic techniques: Kato Kratz, Ritchie, Direct, and Willis. Patients with geohelminths are divided into two groups of treatment: Group A, treated with 500 mg mebendazole in single doses and group B, treated with the classical scheme of 100 mg every 12 hours for three days. Results of treatment are expressed in terms of cure rates and percentage of egg-count reduction. When comparing schemes A and B, no significant differences are found (p less than 0.05). Due to its lower cost and easier administration, the single dosage scheme is recommended for massive chemotherapy of geohelminthiasis in the community.