Human Schistosomiasis Resistance to Praziquantel in China: Should We Be Worried?
2011

Praziquantel Resistance in Schistosomiasis in China

Sample size: 3269 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Edmund Y. W. Seto, Betty K. Wong, Ding Lu, Bo Zhong

Primary Institution: University of California, Berkeley

Hypothesis

Is praziquantel still effective against Schistosoma japonicum in China, or is resistance developing?

Conclusion

Praziquantel remains effective for treating human S. japonicum infection in China, with low treatment failure rates observed.

Supporting Evidence

  • Only one treatment failure was suspected among 185 infected individuals.
  • Prevalence of infection was significantly lower than in previous years.
  • High compliance with treatment was reported despite some side effects.

Takeaway

The medicine used to treat a type of worm infection in China still works well, and not many people are getting worse after taking it.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 33 villages, with stool samples collected and tested for infection, followed by treatment with praziquantel.

Potential Biases

Participation bias may have occurred as only available villagers were surveyed.

Limitations

The study had a low participation rate due to individuals leaving their villages for work, which may affect the representativeness of the sample.

Participant Demographics

Participants were primarily farmers, with a mix of genders and ages, mostly between 30-39 and 60+ years old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 299–376

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.4269/ajtmh.2011.10-0542

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