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One hundred years of neglect in paediatric schistosomiasis

Amaya L Bustinduy1, Stephen Wright2, Elizabeth C Joekes3

  • 1Department of Clinical Research,London School Of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine,Keppel Street,London WC1E 7HT,UK.

Parasitology
|March 2, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Young children with schistosomiasis are neglected, missing early treatment for up to six years. This historical oversight in paediatric schistosomiasis control requires urgent attention for disease elimination.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical medicine
  • Public health
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Paediatric schistosomiasis affects children under five, a vulnerable population group.
  • Current mass drug administration programs for schistosomiasis primarily target school-aged children, delaying treatment for the youngest.
  • This delay means children may not receive praziquantel (PZQ) treatment until age six, potentially years after infection.

Observation:

  • Schistosomiasis infection in children under five was recognized over a century ago.
  • Despite early recognition, insufficient action has been taken to address paediatric schistosomiasis.
  • Significant schistosomiasis-related morbidity may be established before the first treatment is administered.

Findings:

  • The historical neglect of paediatric schistosomiasis is linked to British Imperial medicine's influence on current public health priorities.
  • Gaps in addressing early childhood schistosomiasis persist from the parasite's discovery.
  • Inequitable treatment access for young children mirrors historical neglect patterns.

Implications:

  • Addressing the historical neglect of paediatric schistosomiasis is crucial for effective disease control and elimination.
  • Revising current mass drug administration strategies to include pre-school-aged children is essential.
  • Overcoming historical influences is necessary to ensure lasting success in schistosomiasis elimination efforts.

Keywords:
Schistosomaintestinal schistosomiasispaediatricspraziquantelschistosomiasisultrasoundurogenital schistosomiasis

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