Preliminary observations on the treatment of Schistosomiasis mansoni with praziquantel in Kenya.

In the past three months 2-cyclo-hexylcarbonyl-1,2,3,6,7,11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino[2,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one (praziquantel, EMBAY 8440, Biltricide) has been used in Kenya in the treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni at a single oral dose of 40 mg/kg. To date 42 individuals have been treated and one month follow-up data on egg excretion is available on 22. Whilst trivial side effects were relatively common (50%), the drug proved highly acceptable to the community studied. Vomiting occurred in 7%. Preliminary analysis of mean egg excretion suggests a 99.1% reduction in geometric mean egg excretion, three to four weeks following treatment. If these encouraging preliminary results are confirmed, Biltricide appears to fulfil many of the criteria for a community treatment of schistosomiasis mansoni in endemic areas.