# Effect of Praziquantel Treatment on the Nutritional Status of Children Infected with Schistosoma haematobium

## TL;DR

This study found that children infected with Schistosoma haematobium are undernourished, but a single dose of praziquantel may not improve their nutrition within a month.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the nutritional impact of S. haematobium infection and the short-term efficacy of PZQ treatment in children.

## Key findings

- Infected children had significantly lower BMI and weight z-scores compared to uninfected children.
- Praziquantel treatment led to a significant decrease in underweight prevalence among infected children.
- Nutritional improvements were not sustained within one month post-treatment.

## Abstract

This quasi-experimental trial examined the relationship between Schistosoma haematobium infection and nutritional status, and the impact of single dose praziquantel (PZQ) therapy on undernutrition. A total of 353 children were examined, 112 of which were infected with S. haematobium and treated with PZQ. Children’s heights, weights, and mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC) were measured at baseline and one month post-treatment. Infected children had significantly smaller mean BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) (−1.16 vs. 0.11, p < 0.01) and weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) (−0.61 vs. −0.31, p = 0.03) than the uninfected ones at baseline. S. haematobium infection was associated with underweight (adjusted OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.63–1.90). One month after treatment, BAZ, WAZ, height for age z-scores (HAZ), and MUAC scores were comparable between treated and control children. However, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of underweight among treated children, while no significant change was observed in the control group one month post-treatment. In conclusion, children infected with S. haematobium are likely to suffer from undernutrition; however, single dose PZQ therapy may not improve their nutritional status within one month of treatment. Future studies could have longer follow-up periods to better estimate the drug’s effect on nutrition.