Effect of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies on Schistosomiasis on Malaria Co-infection

Evaluation of the Effect of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies on Urinary Schistosoma Haematobium When Administered for the Treatment of Malaria Co-infection

Open labelled, non randomized study to evaluate the effects of Artemisinin based Combined Therapies(ACTs) on schistosomiasis since Praziquantel (PZQ) which is presently the drug of choice for treating Schistosomiasis (STS), is ineffective on immature stages and there is known parasite resistance. ACTs when combined with PZQ, targeting different stages of the life cycle has shown some effectivity.

Study population included all subjects in study area who signed a written Informed Consent Form diagnosed with Malaria- STS co-infection. Those excluded were treated with PZQ prior 6 weeks, have drug intolerance or pregnant. At Inclusion, Basic Demographic data was recorded and urine samples analysed. During the follow up visits, urine samples were collected on D28 and D42 (6 weeks post treatment). Post treatment assessment was done on urine samples collected on at least two consecutive days and at the end of follow up, all subjects were treated with a single dose pf PZQ (40 mg/kg) as recommended by WHO.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Malaria infection diagnosed by Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) or thick blood smear
• Urinary schistosomiasis diagnosed by presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in the urine before malaria treatment
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients treated with PZQ during the previous 6 weeks
• Known intolerance /allergy to any study drug
• Pregnancy