Management and Treatment of Schistosomiasis

Abstract

Background: To treat schistosomiasis, three drugs are available. These include metrifonate, oxaminiquine, and praziquantel. Metrifonate and oxaminiquine are no longer used for treating schistosomiasis. Praziquantel is the only efective drug using in mass drug administration. Objectives: In this study, I report the progress in a study of schistosomiasis that focused on management and treatment of schistosomiasis, which use praziquantel as objectives of this study. Methodology: I searched Google, ScienceDirect, and the PubMed Database at National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) articles on management and treatment of schistosomiasis. Articles were unrestricted open access, articles with permissions from Elsevier if needed, and in English. Results: There are several drugs for treating schistosomiasis. These include such as metrifonate, oxaminiquine and praziquantel. Praziquantel is the only helpful drug for treating schistosomiasis for both individual and mass drug administration (MDA). World Health Organization recommends MDA for use in school-aged children in endemic areas. In these areas, adults are also target of MDA. Community Health Workers (CHWs) can help in providing information needed for controlling schistosomiasis. Vaccines are unavailable at present. In future, vaccines in combination with MDA can eliminate schistosomiasis. Conclusion: The only effective drug for treating schistosomiasis is praziquantel. Mass drug administration is an approach for control of schistosomiasis. In endemic areas, school-aged children and adults are target of MDA. Community Health Workers has important roles in elimination of schistosomiasis. Vaccines in combination with MDA can help for elimination of schistosomiasis.