Abstract
BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis are mostly prevalent in developing countries due to poor sanitation and lack of adequate clean water. School-age children tend to be the target of chemotherapy-based control programmes because they carry the heaviest worm and egg burdens. The present study examines adverse events (AEs) experienced following co-administration of albendazole and praziquantel to school-age children in a rural area in Kwale County, Kenya.MethodsChildren were treated with single doses of albendazole and praziquantel tablets and then interviewed using a questionnaire for post treatment AEs.ResultsOverall, 752 children, 47.6% boys, participated in the study. Their median (interquartile range) age was 12.0 (10.0–14.0) years. A total of 190 (25.3%) children reportedly experienced at least one AE. In total, 239 cases of AEs were reported with the most frequent being abdominal pains (46.3%), dizziness (33.2%) and nausea (21.1%). Majority of the reported AEs (80.8%) resolved themselves while 12.1% and 6.3% were countered by, respectively, self-medication and visiting a nearby health facility. More girls (60.5%) than boys (39.5%) reported AEs (P = 0.027).ConclusionsThe AEs were mild and transient, and were no worse than those expected following monotherapy. The current study adds to the evidence base that dual administration of albendazole and praziquantel in school-based mass drug administration is safe with only mild adverse events noted.
Highlights
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis are mostly prevalent in developing countries where poor sanitation and lack of adequate clean water are commonplace
The current study reported no serious life-threatening adverse events (AEs)
A range of AEs were associated with the current drugs used in the treatment of schistosomiasis and STH, i.e., praziquantel and albendazole
Summary
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and schistosomiasis are mostly prevalent in developing countries where poor sanitation and lack of adequate clean water are commonplace. Against urogenital schistosomiasis and STH using praziquantel and albendazole, respectively, has been shown to be effective at reducing prevalence and intensity of infections in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa in various programmes [7,8]. These orally administered drugs are affordable, efficacious and safe for the large-scale treatment of human populations [9,10]. The present study examines adverse events (AEs) experienced following co-administration of albendazole and praziquantel to school-age children in a rural area in Kwale County, Kenya
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