The Efficacy of Single-Dose versus Double-Dose Praziquantel Treatments on Schistosoma mansoni Infections: Its Implication on Undernutrition and Anaemia among Primary Schoolchildren in Two On-Shore Communities, Northwestern Tanzania

Abstract

Administering more than one treatment may increase Praziquantel cure and egg reduction rates, thereby hastening achievement of schistosomiasis transmission control. A total of 431 S. mansoni-infected schoolchildren were randomized to receive either a single or repeated 40 mg/kg Praziquantel dose. Heights, weights, and haemoglobin levels were determined using a stadiometer, weighing scale, and HemoCue, respectively. At 8 weeks, cure rate was higher on repeated dose (93.10%) compared to single dose (68.68%) (). The egg reduction rate was higher on repeated dose (97.54%) compared to single dose (87.27%) (). Geometric mean egg intensity was lower among those on repeated dose (1.30 epg) compared to single dose (3.18 epg) () but not at 5 () and 8 () months with no difference in reinfection rate. No difference in the prevalence of stunting was observed between the two treatment regimens () at 8 months, but there was an increase in the prevalence of wasting among those on repeated dose (). There was an increase in the mean haemoglobin levels at 8 months with no difference between the two arms (). To achieve reduction of transmission intensity and disease control in highly endemic areas, repeated treatments alone may not be sufficient.