Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of infection is confirmed by the identification of eggs in stools. Eggs of S. mansoni are approximately 140 by 60 µm in size, and have a lateral spine. The diagnosis is improved by the use of the Kato-Katz technique (a semi-quantitative stool examination technique). Other methods which can be used are enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), circumoval precipitation test (COPT) and alkaline phosphatase immunoassay (APIA).
Currently there are two drugs available, praziquantel and oxamniquine, for the treatment of schistosomiasis. They are considered equivalent in relation to efficacy and safety. Due to its lower cost per treatment, praziquantel is generally considered the first option for treatment. The recommended dose is: praziquantel, 60 mg/kg of body weight for children up to 15 years old, and 50 mg/kg of body weight for adults; oxamniquine, 15 mg/kg for adults, and 20 mg/kg for children up to 15 years old. The treatment objective is to cure the disease and to prevent the evolution of the acute to the chronic form of the disease. All confirmed cases should be treated.
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