[Efficacity of praziquantel in school-aged children in a hyperendemic zone for Schistoma haematobium (Niger, 1999)].
Urinary schistosomiasis is endemic in the Niger river valley. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and side effects of a single oral dose of praziquantel at 40 mg/kg in the treatment of schistosomiasis. The investigation took place between April 5, 1999 and May 25, 1999. A total of 318 primary school children, aged from 6 to 16 years, of a Schistosoma haematobium endemic area were included in the survey. They underwent a macroscopic and parasitological examinations of the urine before treatment and two and six weeks after treatment. Treatment with praziquantel was given at 40 mg/kg of body weight in a single dose. Side effects due to praziquantel were assessed within the first 4 hours, and 24 hours after. Side effects were frequent (53.7%), especially occurring in the first four hours. Their expression was not associated with the sex of the child nor the intensity of the infestation. We noted that elder children expressed more complaints. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pains, headaches and pruritus. All these signs were without gravity and resolved within the first twenty-four hours. Before treatment, the prevalence of infestation was 98%. Six weeks after treatment, 32% of children remained positive despite a marked reduction of egg excretion. In this survey, the side effects of the treatment were very frequent but without gravity. Using praziquantel, 68% of the subjects were cured completely. Urinary schistosomiasis control programs can continue to use it for mass treatment without risk.
Garba
A
A
Centre de recherche sur les méningites et les schistosomoses (CERMES), BP 10887, Niamey, Niger. garba@ird.ne
Tohon
Z
Z
Sidiki
A
A
Chippaux
J P
JP
de Chabalier
F
F
D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006417:Hematuria; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009548:Niger / Q000453:epidemiology; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012553:Schistosomiasis haematobia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000652:urine
D000871:Anthelmintics; D011223:Praziquantel