Schistosomiasis Treatment Overview

A parasitic disease caused by infection with blood flukes, primarily affecting the liver, intestines, and urinary tract.

The main goal of treatment is to reduce egg production by reducing the number of adult worms, minimizing complications and preventing death.

Repeated treatment is crucial in areas where schistosomiasis is common to help eliminate the disease.

While treatment is effective in the early stages of fibrosis, it has limited impact on reversing late-stage organ damage.

A skin rash caused by non-human schistosome species, where humans are not suitable hosts for the parasites.

A systemic reaction to schistosome antigens and immune complexes that occurs about 3-8 weeks after infection.

Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation in patients with acute schistosomiasis syndrome.

Treatment with praziquantel is the most effective way to eliminate schistosomes. The dose and frequency of administration depend on the type of schistosome and the patient's age and weight.

Prednisolone (1 mg/kg per day) is given for 3 to 10 days to suppress acute symptoms of Schistosomiasis.

Praziquantel (40 mg/kg once) is given 8 to 12 weeks after infection to prevent chronic infection and complications.

Praziquantel is effective only when given 4 to 8 weeks after exposure, allowing the worm to mature.

Corticosteroids may worsen Schistosomiasis symptoms if given too early, so they're used initially.

Praziquantel is given again 4 to 6 weeks later to eliminate any remaining mature worms.

The goal of treatment is to reduce parasite burden and morbidity in endemic areas.

The goal of treatment is definitive cure in non-endemic areas.

A single dose of Praziquantel can cure 20 to 100 percent of cases, reducing parasite burden in others.

Repeated treatment with Praziquantel may reverse genital lesions from urinary schistosomiasis, especially in younger patients.

Genital schistosomiasis can increase vaginal fragility and bleeding in women, possibly increasing HIV risk.

Follow-up after treatment includes monitoring for clinical manifestations, eosinophil counts, and microscopy evaluation.

Eosinophil levels may increase after treatment, decreasing over weeks. Persistent elevation may indicate insufficient parasite reduction.

Follow-up microscopy for parasite load reduction and cure should be performed 6 weeks after treatment in endemic areas.

Follow-up microscopy can be performed 3 to 6 months after treatment in non-endemic areas.

Presence of viable eggs 6 to 12 weeks after initial therapy warrants repeat treatment with Praziquantel.

Schistosomes can develop resistance to praziquantel. However, this is not common, and the drug remains effective in most cases.

Praziquantel is thought to work by targeting multiple areas within the schistosome parasite, disrupting its function and ultimately killing it.

Some research suggests that there might be schistosomes less sensitive to praziquantel, causing a reduction in effectiveness. However, it's unclear if this is true resistance or simply reinfection with new worms.

A type of schistosomiasis that affects the liver and spleen, leading to portal hypertension and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Oxamniquine is an alternative drug, but it's not preferred due to its limitations like pregnancy contraindications and lower effectiveness compared to praziquantel.

Inflammation of the brain or spinal cord caused by schistosomiasis.

The combination of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and praziquantel is more effective than praziquantel alone.

The main treatment for neuroschistosomiasis where corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and prevent irreversible tissue damage

The main strategy to control schistosomiasis involves regular mass drug administration, particularly in school-aged children, to reduce parasite burden and prevent transmission.

The WHO emphasizes periodic mass drug administration, especially targeting school-age children who often harbor the highest parasite burden.

The drug used to treat schistosomiasis and kill adult worms, while also helping reduce egg production.

Repeated treatment is crucial in endemic areas because it accelerates immune response, making individuals less susceptible to reinfection.

The process of treating schistosomiasis with anti-parasitic medications.

An adverse effect of praziquantel where the patient experiences a paradoxical worsening of neurological symptoms, often seen in people with neuroschistosomiasis.

Praziquantel is given as a single oral dose of 40 mg/kg to school children and adults, including pregnant women.

School-based programs are common for schistosomiasis treatment, while younger children are less affected and require careful consideration of treatment.

A medication used to treat seizures that may be necessary in patients with neuroschistosomiasis who experience seizures.

A condition where the patient experiences a severe reaction to strongyloidiasis, possibly triggered by corticosteroids, and requiring immediate treatment

A condition where the worms block the blood vessels in the spinal cord or brain, leading to inflammation and damage.

The process of slowly reducing the dosage of corticosteroids over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms

The occurrence of a condition again after a period of remission, often due to inadequate treatment or premature discontinuation of medication

A surgical procedure to redirect blood flow in the liver to relieve pressure from portal hypertension.

A condition where the portal vein pressure increases causing potentially fatal gastrointestinal bleeding.

The ability of the body to fight off infection and disease.

The amount of time it takes for the concentration of a drug to decrease by half in the blood.