Performance and safety of praziquantel for treatment of intestinal schistosomiasis in infants and preschool children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2012 the WHO formally recognised that infants and preschool children are at significant risk of schistosomiasis and qualify for treatment with praziquantel (PZQ). Targeted surveys determining both the performance and safety of this drug are now needed in endemic areas. We have formally assessed parasitological cure and putative side-effects in a prospective cohort of Schistosoma mansoni-infected children (aged 5 months-7 years old) in lakeshore settings of Uganda.

Methodology/principal findings

From a total of 369 children found to be egg-patent for intestinal schistosomiasis, 305 were followed-up three to four weeks after PZQ treatment and infection status re-assessed. Separately, a previously tested side-effect questionnaire was employed before and 24 hours a

SUBMITTER: Sousa-Figueiredo JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3475660 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature