A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of
Science and Technology
In Schistosoma mansoni endemic areas, administering repeated treatments may increase
praziquantel cure rate (CR) and egg reduction rate (ERR), thereby improving morbidity
reduction and hastening achievement of transmission control in these areas.
This was a longitudinal study which investigated the efficacy of single versus repeated
praziquantel treatments of S.mansoni infections and its impact on undernutrition and
anaemia. Stool samples were collected from 513 schoolchildren and examined for S.mansoni
infections using the Kato-Katz method. Questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic
data, risk factors, knowledge, attitude and practices on schistosomiasis.
Nutritional status was determined by anthropometry. Blood samples were collected and
examined for malaria parasites and haemoglobin levels using the Giemsa stain and
HaemoCue methods, respectively.
The prevalence of S.mansoni, malaria, stunting, wasting and anaemia were 84.01%, 9.16%,
38.21%, 14.42% and 29.43%, respectively. The geometric mean (GM) egg per gram of stool
for S.mansoni was 167.13 (95%CI: 147.19–189.79) eggs per gram of stool. Village of
residence, parent’s level of education, toilet use and treatment history were predictors of
S.mansoni infection. A total of 431 S.mansoni infected schoolchildren were randomized to
either receive a single or repeated 40mg/kg dose of praziquantel. At 8 weeks post baseline
treatment, CR was higher among those on repeated dose (93.10%) than those on a single dose
(68.68%, p<0.001). Likewise, ERR was higher among those on repeated dose (97.54%) than
on a single dose (87.27%, p=0.0062). GM epg was lower among those on repeated dose (1.30
epg) than those on single dose (3.18 epg, p=0.036). At eight months post baseline treatment,
the rate of re-infection was about 83% and 77% among those on repeated and single
treatments, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of stunting
between the two treatment regimens (p>0.05), with significant increase in mean haemoglobin
(p<0.05) but without significant difference between treatments (p>0.05). Majority (93%) of
participants mentioned using lake water for domestic chores. Although toilet ownership was
high (84.61%), regular toilet use was low (55.31%). To be of sustained benefit, repeated dose
praziquantel treatments should be coupled with other control measures that aim at reducing
the rate of re-infection and environmental contamination.