Efficacy Of Artesunate In The Treatment Of Urinary Schistosomiasis At Umuikwu- Anam Community In Anambra West Local Government Area Of Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria.

📄 Project Abstract

A study on the efficacy of artesunate in the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis at Umuikwu- Anam community, Anambra West Local Government area was carried out between November 2008 and June 2009. Urine samples from 471 primary school children were examined for ova of Schistosoma haematobium . Using filtration method, S. haematobium ova was recorded in the urine samples of 72(15.3%) pupils. The prevalence of 34.4% and 28.2% were recorded in two primary schools with an overall egg output of 7.63 eggs/10mls urine (geometric mean). The prevalence was significantly higher in the males (18.2%) than in the females (11.3%) and among the 11-13 years age group (25.6%; p<0.05). The intensity was also significantly higher among the males (48) and 5-10 years age group (39). Infected pupils who reported for treatment were divided into three groups ;oral doses of praziquantel (40mg/kg-single dose), artesunate (4mg/kg/day) once a day for 3 days and a combination of praziquantel and artesunate respec...