STUDIES ON PROPHYLACTIC EFFECT OF ARTESUNATE ON SCHISTOSMIASIS JAPONICA

Objective. To examine the artesunate on schistosomiasis schistosomula. Methods, Mice, rabbits and dogs after infection with cercariae of sch istosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) were treated with artesunate on the 7th day at a dose of 300 mg/kg, 20-40 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg respectively once a week for 4-6 weeks. A double-blind test was used. A total of 86 4 persons in highly endemic areas for schistosomiasis were administere d either artesunate at a dose of 6 mg/kg once a week for 8 weeks or id entical placebo with the same dose-schedule during transmission season for S. japonicum: Four weeks after the last dosing, fecal examination s for S. japonicum eggs and miracidia were carried out to evaluate the prophylactic effect. Results. Worm reduction rates in mice, rabbits a nd dogs were 77.50-90.66%, 99.53% and 97.10% respectively. All of the 467 residents in 2 trials were free from eggs or miracidia upon stool examinations whereas in the control groups with placebo, 15 out of 218 (6.9%) and 26 out of 179 (14.5%) were stool eggs and/or miracidia pos itive in the first and second trial, respectively. Side effects were m ild. No significant changes in routine blood and urine tests, electroc ardiogram, hepatic and renal functions were observed after artesunate administration. Conclusions. Animal experiments and field trials have demonstrated good efficacy of artesunate on killing schistosomula with little side effects. Thus, the drug is suggested to be used on the po pulation in endemic areas for prevention of schistosomiasis.