The contribution of host-related factors to low cure rates of praziquantel for the treatment of Schistosoma mansoni in Senegal.

L van Lieshout Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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F F Stelma Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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F Guissé Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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S T Falcao Ferreira Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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K Polman Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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G J van Dam Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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M Diakhate Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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S Sow Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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A Deelder Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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B Gryseels Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1999.61.760
Volume/Issue:
Volume 61: Issue 5
Page(s):
760–765
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Surprisingly low cure rates were repeatedly observed after treatment with a standard dosage of praziquantel in a recently established Schistosoma mansoni focus in northern Senegal. In 4 discrete cohorts from the same population, cure rates were 18-36% and egg count reduction rates were 77-88%. Data and material of 920 compliant subjects from all 4 cohorts were further analyzed to identify possible host-related factors associated with low cure rates. The lowest cure rates were found in the highest egg count groups. However, in low and moderate egg count groups, drug efficacy was also below normal values. Cure rates were similar in males and females, showed no seasonal variation, and were independent of previous praziquantel treatment. They were significantly higher in adults than in children, also after allowing for intensity of infection. Individual water contact behavior and specific humoral immune responses were examined in 2 extreme subgroups, either without significant egg count reduction or showing complete parasitologic cure. There was no significant difference in frequency and duration of water contact between those individuals with complete cure and those that showed little effect of praziquantel treatment. Levels of IgG, IgG1, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, and IgE against adult worm antigen were not different between the 2 subgroups. Thus, the abnormally frequent failure of treatment observed in this focus could not be associated with any host-related factor, other than age and pretreatment egg counts.

Author Notes

Published Online:
Nov 1999
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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