Parameters associated with Schistosoma haematobium infection before and after chemotherapy in school children from two villages in the Coast province of Kenya

Abstract

SummaryWe evaluated the impact of praziquantel therapy (40 mg/kg body weight) on indicators of infection with Schistosoma haematobium by following a cohort of infected children from schools located 12 km apart in the Coast province of Kenya, at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 18 months after treatment. Within this period, measurements of infection parameters pertaining to egg counts and haematuria (micro-, macro-and history) were evaluated at all time points. The initial prevalence of 100% dropped significantly 8 weeks after treatment with a similar trend in the intensity of infection. Microhaematuria followed the same trend as observed for egg counts while macrohaematuria remained low after treatment. Reinfection following successful therapy differed significantly between schools; in one school the children were reinfected immediately while those in the other remained uninfected despite similar starting prevalences, intensities of infection and cure rates. Transmission between the two areas looked homogeneous before treatment but when both groups were treated, contrasting transmission patterns became evident. In a regression model we evaluated factors that might be associated with reinfection, and after allowing for pretreatment infection level, age and sex, area (school) remained a highly significant predictor.

Efficacy and safety of two closely spaced doses of praziquantel against Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni and re-infection patterns in school-aged children in Niger

“…temporary or permanent water bodies), human water-contact patterns, pretreatment infection intensity and schistosome species (Kahama et al, 1999;Ernould et al, 2004). In general, re-infection with S. mansoni occurs more rapidly than S. heamatobium, as observed in several studies in mixed infection foci (Daffalla and Fenwick, 1982;Ernould et al, 2004).…”

Urine circulating soluble egg antigen in relation to egg counts, hematuria, and urinary tract pathology before and after treatment in children infected with Schistosoma haematobium in Kenya.

“…A more detailed description of the study area and population has described elsewhere. 10 Two schools were selected for the study, Tsunguni with an initial prevalence of 86% and Kibaokiche with a prevalence of 77%. From the group previously described, 9 117 children participated in all follow-up examinations: 52 from Tsunguni and 65 from Kibaokiche of whom 59 were boys and 58 were girls (age range ϭ 6-15 years, median ϭ 9 years).…”

Therapeutic failure of praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosoma haematobium infection in Brazilians returning from Africa

“…Despite the controversies regarding the rapid emergence of praziquantel resistance, constant surveillance of this progression is important. Criteria of cure based on the absence of egg elimination in urine have shown a variation of 60 to 96% (Pugh & Teedasle 1983, Wilkins & Moore 1987, Kahama et al 1999 in endemic areas, with the existence of rare cases of 100% parasitological cure (Saliba et al 1997), depending on the intensity of infection.…”

“…Advantages of this drug include its easy administration (40 mg/kg body weight, a single dose by the oral route), low toxicity, and low intensity of side effects (McMahon 1983, Pugh & Teesdale 1983, Kahama et al 1999, Rey 2001. These important factors have contributed to the tolerance with and easy application of individualized and mass treatments (Stephenson et al 1989, King et al 1992.…”