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Detectable urogenital schistosome DNA and cervical abnormalities 6 months after single‐dose praziquantel in women with S chistosoma haematobium infection
Author(s) -
Downs Jennifer A.,
Kabangila Rodrick,
Verweij Jaco J.,
Jaka Hyasinta,
Peck Robert N.,
Kalluvya Samuel E.,
Changalucha John M.,
Johnson Warren D.,
Lieshout Lisette,
Fitzgerald Daniel W.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/tmi.12154
Subject(s) - praziquantel , schistosoma haematobium , schistosomiasis , helminthiasis , immunology , genitourinary system , anthelmintic , medicine , concomitant , biology , helminths , veterinary medicine
Abstract We explored response to single‐dose praziquantel therapy in a cohort of 33 women with S chistosoma haematobium infection in rural M wanza, T anzania. Women with S . haematobium infection confirmed both by eggs in urine and by polymerase chain reaction ( PCR ) received single‐dose praziquantel and treatment of concomitant sexually transmitted infections. Macroscopic cervical abnormalities were also quantified. After 6 months, microscopically detectable egg excretion was eliminated, but 8 of 33 women (24%) were persistently positive for S . haematobium by PCR , and 11 (33%) had cervical abnormalities potentially attributable to schistosomiasis. This suggests that praziquantel treatment more frequently than every 6 months may be necessary for complete elimination of the parasite and prevention of genital tissue pathology. This aggressive therapy may in turn play a key role decreasing HIV susceptibility in millions of people living in regions in which S . haematobium is endemic.