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Mass Isolation and In Vitro Cultivation of Intramolluscan Stages of the Human Blood Fluke Schistosoma Mansoni
Published on: January 14, 2018
Schistosomiasis in pregnancy and lactation
Yabo Josiane Honkpehedji1, Jacob Gerstenberg2, Bayode Romeo Adegbite3
1Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon; Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands; Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique, Cotonou, Benin.
The Lancet. Global Health
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Schistosomiasis affects millions, particularly pregnant women. Praziquantel is safe in the second and third trimesters, yet access remains a challenge. Integrating treatment into antenatal care is crucial for maternal and newborn health.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Schistosomiasis impacts nearly 140 million people worldwide, with 35 million being women of reproductive age.
- Pregnancy exacerbates risks associated with schistosomiasis for both mothers and newborns, including maternal anemia and iron deficiency.
- Existing research and randomized controlled trials confirm the safety of praziquantel for pregnant women in their second and third trimesters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the inclusion of pregnant women in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for schistosomiasis.
- To promote targeted treatment strategies during antenatal care visits to reduce adverse maternal and newborn outcomes.
- To address barriers hindering praziquantel access for pregnant women in endemic regions.
Main Methods:
- Review of prospective studies and randomized controlled trials on schistosomiasis treatment in pregnant women.
- Analysis of World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on praziquantel use in mass drug administration (MDA).
- Identification of implementation barriers, including school-based MDA, drug shortages, and lack of availability at antenatal clinics.
Main Results:
- Praziquantel has demonstrated safety in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters across multiple schistosome species.
- WHO guidelines increasingly support praziquantel administration to pregnant women through MDA and other delivery systems.
- Significant barriers impede effective treatment, such as limited program reach, drug supply issues, and insufficient integration into routine antenatal care.
Conclusions:
- Pregnant women in their second and third trimesters should be included in schistosomiasis MDA programs.
- Targeted treatment during antenatal visits and improved drug accessibility are vital for mitigating schistosomiasis-related morbidities.
- Implementing rapid diagnostic tests and pregnancy testing can enhance praziquantel uptake among pregnant women.
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