Polderman Am

Side effects of praziquantel in the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni in Maniema, Zaire

In a small community in Maniema, Zaire, heavily infected with Schistosoma mansoni, direct observations were made of the side effects of praziquantel in the hours immediately after treatment. Intense abdominal discomfort and the production of bloody diarrhoea were observed in more than half of the treated population. These effects were seen both in children and in adults and the onset of the symptoms was registered within 30 min of treatment. The frequency of the side effects was correlated with the intensity of the infection. No satisfactory explanation could be given why the side effects in Maniema appear to be so intense compared with the general experience elsewhere.

FAILURE OF TARGETED MASS TREATMENT TO CONTROL SCHISTOSOMIASIS

An attempt was made to control schistosomiasis mansoni with mass treatment of all subjects excreting more than 100 eggs/g of faeces. No other means of control to reduce transmission were used. A very low dosage of hycanthone (0.75 mg/kg) appeared insufficient to achieve a satisfactory reduction of the worm load. A higher dosage (1.5 mg/kg) resulted in a significant reduction of the egg output. However, reappearance of eggs, probably indicating reinfection, was very rapid. One year after treatment the egg counts were at about two-thirds of the original level again.