Utility of Repeated Praziquantel Dosing in the Treatment of Schistosomiasis in High-Risk Communities in Africa: A Systematic Review
2011

Repeated Praziquantel Dosing for Schistosomiasis Treatment

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): King Charles H., Olbrych Stephanie K., Soon Margaret, Singer Mendel E., Carter Jen, Colley Daniel G.

Primary Institution: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

In high-risk communities, repeated praziquantel dosing may provide incremental benefits over single dosing for schistosomiasis treatment.

Conclusion

Repeated praziquantel dosing can improve cure rates and reduce infection intensity, particularly for Schistosoma mansoni.

Supporting Evidence

  • Two doses of praziquantel improved cure rates for S. mansoni from 42-79% to 69-91%.
  • Reduction in egg counts was greater for S. mansoni with two doses compared to one.
  • Cost-effectiveness analysis showed benefits of double dosing in school-based programs.

Takeaway

Giving a second dose of medicine can help people get better from a worm infection more than just giving one dose.

Methodology

Systematic review of studies comparing single vs. repeated praziquantel dosing for Schistosoma infections.

Potential Biases

Potential biases in study selection and reporting may affect the results.

Limitations

The analysis is based on a limited number of studies and may not fully represent real-world scenarios.

Participant Demographics

Studies included participants from various high-risk communities in Africa.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

CI95% 2.59, 3.78

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0001321

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication