Optimization of praziquantel therapy for Schistosoma mansoni infection in preschool-aged children in Ethiopia.
Research team:
| Principal investigator | Dr. Solomon M. Abay (Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia) |
| Mentor | Prof Eyasu Makonnen (Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia) |
| Coinvestigator | Prof. Eleni Aklillu (Karolinska Institute, Sweden) |
| Coinvestigator | Dr. Birkineh Tilahun (Hawassa University, Ethiopia) |
Project overview: Preschool-aged children (PSAC) are not the primary target group for mass praziquantel based schistosomiasis control partly because they were wrongly considered to be at low risk of getting the infection. A recent study revealed that praziquantel has a flat dose of (20-60mg/kg)-response and overall lower efficacy in PSAC as compared with school-aged children. There is a clear need to have evidence-based dosing recommendations of praziquantel in PSAC based on pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection. This project aims to generate evidence to optimize praziquantel therapy in PSAC infected with S. mansoni. PrazOpt conducts an observational prospective study to assess the cure rate of PSAC receiving schistosomiasis therapy, investigate the pharmacokinetics of praziquantel, and the pharmacogenetic and other biologic factors affecting treatment outcomes. The project has also training components in GCP, clinical study management, and pharmacokinetic modeling. The EDCTP funds this project under the scheme of Career Development Fellowship for 36 months with €150,000.00.