[The effect of artesunate in preventing the populations from Schistosoma japonicum infection during flood-control].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the prophylactic effect of artesunate in high-risk populations who had contacted the infested water.

METHODS:

From the 7th day post-exposure to infested water, a total of 17,031 people who had contacted the infested water for more than 20 days had been treated with artesunate at a dose of 300 mg once a week for three successive weeks. On day 17 after the last medication, they were examined for schistosomiasis and followed-up 60 days later.

RESULTS:

No acute schistosomiasis case was found. ELISA-positive was found in 204(1.20%) and COPT > 3% was found in 195 cases (1.14%). The side-effects were slight.

CONCLUSION:

Artesunate is highly effective and safe for the prevention of schistosomiasis.

• Authors: S Y Hu, J Liu, B Wang, Z D Hu, C J Xiao
• Journal: Zhongguo ji sheng chong xue yu ji sheng chong bing za zhi = Chinese journal of parasitology & parasitic diseases (Zhongguo Ji Sheng Chong Xue Yu Ji Sheng Chong Bing Za Zhi) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 113-4 ( 2000) ISSN: 1000-7423 [Print] China
• PMID: 12567731 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antimalarials
• Artemisinins
• Sesquiterpenes
• Artesunate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antimalarials (therapeutic use)
• Artemisinins (therapeutic use)
• Artesunate
• Disasters
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Schistosomiasis japonica (prevention & control)
• Sesquiterpenes (therapeutic use)