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Efficacy and side effects of praziquantel in the treatment for S chistosoma mansoni infection in school children in S enbete T own, northeastern E thiopia
Author(s) -
Reta Birehanu,
Erko Berhanu
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.12187
Subject(s) - praziquantel , schistosoma mansoni , medicine , cure rate , pharmacotherapy , schistosomiasis , surgery , gastroenterology , immunology , helminths
Abstract Objective To assess the efficacy and side effects of praziquantel in the treatment for S chistosoma mansoni infection in school children in S enbete Town, northeastern E thiopia. Methods A single stool specimen was collected from 342 school children and examined for S . mansoni ova using K ato– K atz technique (single slide) and formol‐ether concentration technique. Positive individuals were treated with a single oral dose of praziquantel at 40 mg/kg body weight. Egg reduction and cure rates were assessed 4 weeks post‐treatment. Structured questionnaires were also used to collect pre‐treatment and 24‐h post‐treatment signs and symptoms to assess side effects of the drug. Results Praziquantel reduced the egg rate by 79.46% and achieved a cure rate of 82.89% 4 weeks post‐treatment. 86.67% of the children presented at least one transient drug‐related sign and symptom 24‐h post‐treatment. Conclusion Praziquantel demonstrated sufficient efficacy against S . mansoni in S enbete T own, northeastern E thiopia. Mild and transient signs and symptoms associated with therapy disappeared within 24 h without specific treatment.