PZQ therapy: How close are we in the development of effective alternative anti-schistosomal drugs?

Raphael Taiwo Aruleba, Tayo Alex Adekiya, Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye, Priscilla Masamba, Londiwe Simphiwe Mbatha, Ashley Pretorius, Abidemi Paul Kappo

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Today schistosomiasis, caused mainly by the three major schistosome species (S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum), has for many decades and still continues to be on a rapid and swift rise globally, claiming thousands of lives every year and leaving 800 million people at the risk of infection. Due to the high prevalence of this disease and the steady increase in the infection rates, praziquantel (PZQ) remains the only effective drug against this acute disease although it has no effect on the juvenile schistosome parasite. However, no significant approaches have been made in recent years in the discovery of new or alternative drugs and unfortunately, resistance to this drug has been reported in some parts of the world. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a new drug for this debilitating disease. In this review, a brief history of past, present, and new promising anti-schistosomal drugs is presented.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)337-349
Number of pages13
JournalInfectious Disorders - Drug Targets
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Drugs
  • Praziquantel
  • Schistosoma haematobium
  • Schistosoma mansoni
  • Schistosome
  • Schistosomiasis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology (medical)

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