[Efficacy of UK 4271 (oxamniquine, Pfizer) in Schistosoma mansoni bilharziasis in western Africa (parasitological and serological study of 252 children)].

This study was conducted on 252 childrens afflicted with Schistosomiasis (S. mansoni and S. haematobium) living in endemic area and treated with doses of 15 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg of Oxamniquine. During eight months, parasitologic and serologic (Indirect fluorescent antibody test) controls were continued. A single per os dose of 15 mg/kg appears best and 87% cure rates were obtained with only 12% reinfestation. Antibody studies indicate, at this dosage, an antigenic stimulation that lasts at least 8 months, thus conferring a "vaccinating" action possible to be used with large population groups. Further studies show acceptable tolerance clinically of Oxamniquine and its ineffectiveness against S. haematobium. As mentioned by others, it appears that Oxamniquine has usefulness in treatment of schistosomiasis due to S. mansoni.