Uro-genital Schistosomiasis Clinical Trial
Official title:
Prevention of HIV and Improved Diagnosis of Adolescent Genital Disease in Bilharzia Endemic KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Schistosomiasis is a poverty-related water-transmitted parasitic disease affecting more that
200 million people world wide. Infection with Schistosoma haematobium may cause Female
Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) with pathological lesions in the female genital tract,
especially the cervix. Findings indicate that FGS is a hitherto under-diagnosed illness of
young women in endemic poor tropical countries, deserving further attention. A
cross-sectional study from Zimbabwe indicated that the pathologic genital lesions were
unchanged two years after praziquantel treatment in adult women whereas in those who had been
treated with praziquantel in childhood the prevalence of genital lesions was significantly
lower. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of HIV was detected in women with FGS compared to
those without. The proposed project aims at achieving a better understanding of how annual
distribution of praziquantel to pre- and post-pubertal schoolgirls may prevent FGS. This
information can be of use in current schistosomiasis control programs in the near term
resulting in improved strategies for treatment. Preventing or reducing the risk of FGS and
genital lesions will lead to improved reproductive health among in women living in
schistosomiasis endemic areas.
Project Goal: Contribute to a reduction of the global burden of female genital
schistosomiasis (FGS) through improved knowledge about the prevention of gynecological
lesions and through improved diagnosis of FGS.
Provide a more extensive description, if desired. Avoid duplication of information to be recorded elsewhere, such as eligibility criteria or outcome measures ;