Antimalarial artesunate-mefloquine versus praziquantel in African children with schistosomiasis: an open-label, randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT: Schistosomiasis treatment entirely relies on a single drug, praziquantel, prompting research into alternative therapeutics. Here we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the antimalarial combination artesunate-mefloquine for the treatment of schistosomiasis in a proof-of-concept, pragmatic, open-label, randomized controlled trial in primary schools of six villages endemic for schistosomiasis in northern Senegal. Children (6-14 years) were eligible if Schistosoma eggs were detected by microscopy in urine and/or stool. In total, 726 children were randomized 1:1 to praziquantel (standard care: 40 mg kg^-1 single dose; n = 364) or to artesunate-mefloquine (antimalarial dosage: artesunate 4 mg kg^-1 and mefloquine 8 mg kg^-1 daily for three consecutive days; n = 362

SUBMITTER: Bottieau E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10803269 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature