Schistosome resistance to praziquantel.

Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of human schistosomiasis. In 1994, it was first demonstrated that by sustained drug pressure on a Schistosoma mansoni strain in laboratory conditions resistance to PZQ can develop. Studies in Senegal and Egypt, both schistosomiasis endemic areas, have found that there are schistosome strain(s) that are tolerant to PZQ. In this article evidence from laboratory and field studies regarding the existence of PZQ resistance or tolerant schistosome strain(s) will be examined.