New insight into praziquantel against various developmental stages of schistosomes

Parasitol Res. 2011 Dec;109(6):1501-7. doi: 10.1007/s00436-011-2670-3. Epub 2011 Oct 8.

Abstract

Praziquantel, due to high efficacy, excellent tolerability, few and transient side effects, simple administration, and competitive cost, is virtually the only drug of choice for treatment of human schistosomiasis. Treatment of schistosomiasis has shown great advances with the introduction of the drug into the therapeutic arsenal in areas that are endemic for the parasite. However, the drug presents various efficacies against different developmental stages of schistosomes, appearing an oddity intermitted mode. The present review article reviews the effects and mechanism of action of praziquantel against schistosomes briefly and suggests the research on this oddity phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Praziquantel / adverse effects
  • Praziquantel / pharmacology*
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use
  • Schistosoma / drug effects*
  • Schistosoma / growth & development
  • Schistosomiasis / drug therapy
  • Schistosomiasis / parasitology
  • Schistosomicides / adverse effects
  • Schistosomicides / pharmacology*
  • Schistosomicides / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Schistosomicides
  • Praziquantel