Studies on prophylactic effect of artesunate on schistosomiasis japonica

To examine the prophylactic effect of artesunate on schistosomiasis japonica by killing schistosomula.

Mice, rabbits and dogs after infection with cercariae of schistosoma 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 864 persons in highly endemic areas for schistosomiasis were administered either artesunate at a dose of 6 mg/kg once a week for 8 weeks or identical placebo with the same dose-schedule during transmission season for S. japonicum. Four weeks after the last dosing, fecal examinations for S. japonicum eggs and miracidia were carried out to evaluate the prophylactic effect.

Worm reduction rates in mice, rabbits and 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 positive in the first and second trial, respectively. Side effects were mild. No significant changes in routine blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram, hepatic and renal functions were observed after artesunate administration.

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 population in endemic areas for prevention of schistosomiasis.