Extrait

Background and study aims Schistosomiasis is an infection caused by parasites that live in freshwater snails. It continues to be a major public health problem in many developing countries. However, illness due to schistosomiasis has been greatly reduced in some parts of the world, including Zanzibar. Over the next 3-5 years, the whole at-risk population on Unguja and Pemba islands will be given the drug praziquantel twice a year to treat schistosomiasis infection. Strategies to control the snails that carry the parasites and also to change people’s behaviour will be carried out in selected communities. We will compare the impact and outcome of the these three interventions to provide evidence for decisions about schistosomiasis elimination not only for the Zanzibar, but also for other settings in Africa and elsewhere. Who can participate? 45 randomly selected communities on Unguja and Pemba islands. What does the study involve? The communities are randomly allocated to one of three groups. All three groups will be treated with praziquantel. One of the groups receives no additional treatment. The second group receives niclosamide (a pesticide against snails) twice-yearly to reduce the population of snails that carries the parasites. The third group receives interventions to trigger behaviour change. Changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices will be assessed annually through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with schoolchildren, teachers, parents and community leaders. Changes in the levels of infection are assessed annually and outcomes compared between the three groups. Changes in the health system, water and sanitation infrastructure will be annually tracked by interviews with community leaders. Additional issues potentially impacting on study outcomes and all incurring costs will be monitored and recorded. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The direct benefit to the whole at-risk population in Zanzibar including our study participants will be reduced illness caused by schistosomiasis infections. Praziquantel is generally well tolerated. Side effects are typically mild and short-lived and do not require treatment. The following side effects may be observed: discomfort, headache, dizziness, feeling sick, rise in temperature and, rarely, hives. Where is the study run from? The study is jointly run by : 1. Natural History Museum London (UK) 2. Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Switzerland) 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA) 4. Helminth Control Laboratory Unguja of the Zanzibar Ministry of Health and the Public Health Laboratory-Ivo de Carneri in Pemba (Tanzania) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? November 2011 to December 2017 Who is funding the study? SCORE at the University of Georgia Research Foundation (UGARF) through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (USA) Who is the main contact? Prof. David Rollinson [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Schistosoma haematobium infections

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn