The associations between Schistosoma mansoni infection, pre-treatment symptoms, praziquantel side effects, and treatment efficacy in Ugandan school-aged children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Over 240 million people have schistosomiasis. Mass drug administration (MDA) with the anthelmintic praziquantel is the cornerstone of control. Treatment side effects are commonly observed and may be associated with dying worms. Side effects have also been reported as a reason for reduced MDA uptake, potentially resulting in those most in need refusing repeated treatment. An improved understanding of the association between side effects and infection intensity, pre-treatment health, and drug efficacy, may help inform education campaigns to facilitate increased MDA uptake.

Methods

Using latent class analyses, Beta regression, and dose response curves, we analysed egg and antigen parasitological data alongside health and side-effects survey data pre- and post-praziqu

SUBMITTER: Yu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12533968 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature