Efficacy of two different DEC regimens in the treatment of human filarial infection.

Two regimens of diethyl carbamazine (DEC) viz., 14 day and 5 day, were compared for microfilaricidal effect and side effects, in the treatment of bancroftian filariasis. The rate of successful treatment, cure rate and decrease in mf count were found to be significantly high with the 14 days regimen when assessed immediately after treatment. About 40 per cent of subjects on the 14 days regimen and 66 per cent of patients on 5 days regimen experienced side reactions. The severity of side reactions was more in patients on 5 days regimen. When the effect of DEC was assessed one year after treatment with the 14 days regimen and compared with the results immediately after treatment, the rate of successful treatment, cure rate and decrease in mf count were reduced significantly. The 14 days DEC regimen with initial low dose of DEC along with antipyretics may be better accepted in the control programmes of filariasis.