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Full text Article. Also available at https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7035025
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Administering more than one treatment may increase Praziquantel cure and egg reduction rates, there by hastening achievement of schistosomiasis transmission control. A total of 431S. Mansoni-infected schoolchildren were randomized to receive either a single or repeated 40 mg/kg Praziquantel dose. Heights, weights, and haemoglobin levels were determined using a stadiometer, weighing scale, and Hemo Cue, respectively. At 8 weeks, cure rate was higher on repeated dose (93.10%) compared to single dose (68.68%) (𝑝 <0.001). The egg reduction rate was higher on repeated dose (97.54%) compared to single dose (87.27%) (𝑝 = 0.0062). Geometric mean egg intensity was lower among those on repeated dose(1.30epg) compared to single dose (3.18epg)(𝑝 = 0.036)butnotat5 (𝑝 > 0.05)and8(𝑝 > 0.05) months with no difference in reinfection rate. No difference in the prevalence of stunting was observed between the two treatment regimens (𝑝 > 0.05) at 8 months, but there was an increase in the prevalence of wasting among those on repeated dose (𝑝 < 0.001). There was an increase in the mean haemoglobin level sat 8 months with no difference between the two arms (𝑝 > 0.05). To achieve reduction of transmission intensity and disease control in highly endemic areas, repeated treatments alone may not be sufficient. This trial was registered with PACTR 201601001416338.
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