Therapeutic and operational profiles of metrifonate and praziquantel in Schistosoma haematobium infection.

A systematic analysis of the existing literature has been undertaken to compare the therapeutic and operational profiles of metrifonate (CAS 52-68-6), and praziquantel (CAS 55-268-74-1), two anti-schistosomal compounds. The criteria evaluated were therapeutic efficacy against Schistosoma haematobium and other helminths, impact on pathology commonly associated with S. haematobium infection, frequency, type and duration of adverse reactions, health risk associated with inadvertent overdosage, applicability and practicality of treatment in various medical settings, tolerance and resistance, pharmacological properties, toxicity and economic aspects. It is concluded that both medical and operational criteria indicate that praziquantel is superior to metrifonate for the treatment of schistosomiasis caused by S. haematobium. Since, compared to praziquantel, metrifonate has a number of disadvantages, future antischistosomal chemotherapy can do without this drug.