Efficacy and side effects of praziquantel in the treatment for Schistosoma mansoni infection in school children in Senbete Town, northeastern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and side effects of praziquantel in the treatment for Schistosoma mansoni infection in school children in Senbete Town, northeastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A single stool specimen was collected from 342 school children and examined for S. mansoni ova using Kato-Katz 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 Senbete Town, northeastern Ethiopia. Mild and transient signs and symptoms associated with therapy disappeared within 24 h without specific treatment.