Schistosomiasis in African infants and preschool children: to treat or not to treat?

Trends Parasitol. 2007 Mar;23(3):83-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2007.01.005. Epub 2007 Jan 22.

Abstract

The occurrence of schistosomiasis in African infants and preschool children has been largely overlooked, with preventive chemotherapy usually focused on school-aged children instead. Two recent surveys by Bosompem et al. and Odogwu et al. have shown that schistosomiasis in younger children is much more common than previously thought. This article highlights the importance of the disease in this age group and discusses the future prospects for schistosomiasis control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Anthelmintics / adverse effects
  • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hygiene*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Praziquantel / adverse effects
  • Praziquantel / therapeutic use*
  • Schistosomiasis / drug therapy
  • Schistosomiasis / epidemiology
  • Schistosomiasis / prevention & control*
  • Schistosomiasis / transmission
  • Water / parasitology*

Substances

  • Anthelmintics
  • Water
  • Praziquantel