What is the first-line treatment for schistosomiasis?

Praziquantel is recognized as the first-line treatment for schistosomiasis due to its effectiveness in targeting the adult worms. The drug works by causing severe spasms and vacuolization of the parasites’ outer tegument, leading to their death. It is effective against multiple species of schistosomes, making it a broad-spectrum treatment for this parasitic infection.

While other medications may be effective against different infections or conditions, they do not have the same targeted action against schistosomiasis. For instance, albendazole is typically used for treatment of various helminthic infections but is not the preferred choice for schistosomiasis. Metronidazole is effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa, and while streptomycin is used for specific bacterial infections, these options do not address schistosomiasis specifically. Therefore, praziquantel is the standard treatment recommended by health organizations for managing schistosomiasis effectively.