Can schistosomiasis be cured completely?
Schistosomiasis can usually be treated successfully with a short course of a medication called praziquantel, which kills the worms. Praziquantel is most effective once the worms have grown a bit, so treatment may need to be repeated a few weeks after your first dose.
How do you get rid of schistosomiasis?
Prevention & Control
- Avoid swimming or wading in freshwater when you are in countries in which schistosomiasis occurs.
- Drink safe water.
- Water used for bathing should be brought to a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill any cercariae, and then cooled before bathing to avoid scalding.
What drugs treat schistosomiasis and filariasis?
Praziquantel is the recommended treatment against all forms of schistosomiasis. It is effective, safe, and low-cost.
How effective is praziquantel?
After 4 weeks of administration of praziquantel, the cure rate was 86.9% with egg reduction rate of 78.3%. Effectiveness of the drug was not statistically associated with sex, age group, and pre-treatment intensity of infection.
How long can schistosomiasis live in the body?
Schistosomes live an average of 3–10 years, but in some cases as long as 40 years, in their human hosts.
How can schistosomiasis be controlled?
Schistosomiasis control focuses on reducing disease through periodic, large-scale population treatment with praziquantel; a more comprehensive approach including potable water, adequate sanitation, and snail control would also reduce transmission.
Can garlic cure schistosomiasis?
If indeed the anti-inflammatory effect of garlic can be shown to help reduce Schistosoma infection in humans, it may offer a valid route forward. Garlic oil may be used as a prophylaxis in areas where the infection is endemic. It may also be used as a means of early treatment in cases where infection is suspected.
Does albendazole treat schistosomiasis?
Albendazole (ALB) is used in the treatment of intestinal helminths infection. It is a broad-spectrum single-dose antihelminthic with an excellent cure rate and safety criteria. Currently, it is not routinely used for the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis.