The effect of Praziquantel in the reduction of the Prevalence of S. mansoni among the school children in New Halfa Scheme, Eastern Sudan

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effect of Praziquantel chemotherapy interventional technique which reflected in the reduction of the prevalence of S. mansoni infection among randomly selected school - children in New Halfa Scheme. Materials & Methods: Between June 2002 – June 2003 two parasitological surveys were conducted in four schools – children in New Halfa Scheme. (2410) pupils were examined by utilizing Kato technique to determine the infection with S.mansoni. All those who ensured to be infected in the first parasitological survey were treated by the subscribed dose of Praziquantel i.e. a single dose 40 mg/Kg – body weight. Results: At the first Parasitological survey the overall prevalence of the intestinal schistosomiasis among the school children in the study area was 54.6% . The males significantly outnumbered the females 45.6% and 30.4% respectively, (P < 0.05). At the second Parasitological survey the obtained findings stress that the overall prevalence was 14.3%. The overall knockdown of the infection among the children was 74.0%. Considering the gender reduction, the infection rate of males declined by 78.5% (16.3 %in male) while those of the females reduced by 65.6% (12.5% in females), respectively. Conclusion: The present study has confirmed the reduction in prevalence rate of S.mansoni among the school – children whom were treated by Praziquantel from 54.6% in 2002 to 14.3% in 2003.