The Chemotherapy of Schistosomiasis

Abstract

Several major developments have occurred in the chemotherapy of schistoso­ miasis since Archer & Yarinsky reviewed the subject in 1972 (1). Perhaps the outstanding discovery has been the broad-spectrum, well-tolerated drug prazi­ quantel, which is rapidly becoming the drug of choice in the treatment of schistosomiasis. Two other new broad-spectrum, clinically effective drugs that have made their appearance in recent years are oltipraz and amoscanate. We have also made some progress in understanding the mode of action of some of the older antischistosomal drugs such as hycanthone, oxamniquine, niridazole, and metrifonate, but little is known about the mechanism of action of the newer drugs. In order to focus attention on this problem, the Steering Committee of the Scientific Working Group on Schistosomiasis sponsored a symposium in Geneva January 30-February 1, 1984 (2) that was devoted exclusively to the biochemistry and chemotherapy of this disease. Wherever possible, this chap­ ter devotes particular attention to the mode of action of clinically active agents and some of their relevant analogues.