Single does Metrifonate or Praziquantel Treatment in Kenyan Children.

I. Effects on Schistosoma Haematobium, Hookworm, Hemoglobin Levels, Splenomegaly, and Hepatomegaly

Lani S. Stephenson Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Medical Research Center, Kenya Medical Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Ithaca, New York, Kenya

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Stephen N. Kinoti Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Medical Research Center, Kenya Medical Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Ithaca, New York, Kenya

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Michael C. Latham Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Medical Research Center, Kenya Medical Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Ithaca, New York, Kenya

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Kathleen M. Kurz Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Medical Research Center, Kenya Medical Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Ithaca, New York, Kenya

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John Kyobe Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Medical Research Center, Kenya Medical Research Institute, University of Nairobi, Ithaca, New York, Kenya

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1989.41.436
Volume/Issue:
Volume 41: Issue 4
Page(s):
436–444
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The relationships between S. haematobium, hookworm, malaria, hemoglobin level, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly before and 8 months after treatment with a single dose of metrifonate or praziquantel were studied in Kenyan primary schoolchildren in an area where anemia, S. haematobium, and hookworm are common and malaria is holoendemic. Children with light to moderate S. haematobium infection were examined (Exam 1), assigned at random to groups receiving placebo (PL, n = 104), metrifonate (MT, n = 103, dose 10 mg/kg body weight) or praziquantel (PR, n = 105, dose 40 mg/kg body weight), treated, and examined 8 months later (Exam 2). At Exam 2, 62% of the MT group still passed S. haematobium eggs vs. 13% in the PR group. Egg reduction rates were substantial in both groups, but greater in the PR group; geometric mean egg counts in both groups were very low. Prevalence and intensity in the PL group had not changed between exams. Hookworm egg counts were significantly reduced in the MT group (59% egg reduction rate); malarial infection had increased in all 3 groups, presumably due to the long rainy season between exams. Hookworm egg count was the most significant predictor of initial hemoglobin level, followed by S. haematobium egg count and presence of malarial infection. Treatment with a single dose of MT or PR can produce substantial decreases in S. haematobium infection 8 months later.

Author Notes

Copyright:
Copyright © 1989 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1989
Published Online:
Oct 1989
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
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