Document Type

Article

Journal Title

Pathogens

Publication Date

2025

Volume

14

Abstract

This quasi-experimental trial examined the relationship between Schistosoma haematobium infection and nutritional status, and the impact of single dose praziquantel (PZQ) therapy on undernutrition. A total of 353 children were examined, 112 of which were infected with S. haematobium and treated with PZQ. Children's heights, weights, and mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC) were measured at baseline and one month post-treatment. Infected children had significantly smaller mean BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) (-1.16 vs. 0.11, p < 0.01) and weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (-0.61 vs. -0.31, p = 0.03) than the uninfected ones at baseline. S. haematobium infection was associated with underweight (adjusted OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.63-1.90). One month after treatment, BAZ, WAZ, height for age z-scores (HAZ), and MUAC scores were comparable between treated and control children. However, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of underweight among treated children, while no significant change was observed in the control group one month post-treatment. In conclusion, children infected with S. haematobium are likely to suffer from undernutrition; however, single dose PZQ therapy may not improve their nutritional status within one month of treatment. Future studies could have longer follow-up periods to better estimate the drug's effect on nutrition

MeSH Headings

Humans, Praziquantel, Schistosomiasis haematobia, Nutritional Status, Female, Male, Animals, Child, Schistosoma haematobium, Anthelmintics, Child, Preschool, Thinness, Malnutrition

ISSN

2076-0817

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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