Name an anthelmintic agent effective against schistosomiasis.

Name an anthelmintic agent effective against schistosomiasis.

• A. Pyrantel pamoate
• B. Albendazole
• C. Praziquantel
• D. Mebendazole

Answer: (C)

Praziquantel is recognized as an effective anthelmintic agent for the treatment of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by trematodes (flukes) of the genus Schistosoma. This medication works by increasing the permeability of the parasite's cell membrane to calcium ions, leading to paralysis and death of the parasites. It is specifically recommended for schistosomiasis due to its efficacy against adult forms of the parasites and its ability to target a wide range of schistosome species. Other agents like pyrantel pamoate, albendazole, and mebendazole are effective against different types of helminth infections but are primarily used for nematodes (roundworms) and do not have significant activity against schistosomiasis. Pyrantel pamoate is often used for pinworm and roundworm infections, while albendazole and mebendazole are frequently utilized for treating various intestinal nematodes and some cestodes (tapeworms), but they are not suitable for the treatment of schistosomiasis specifically. Thus, praziquantel stands out as the correct choice for addressing schistosomiasis.

Praziquantel is recognized as an effective anthelmintic agent for the treatment of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by trematodes (flukes) of the genus Schistosoma. This medication works by increasing the permeability of the parasite's cell membrane to calcium ions, leading to paralysis and death of the parasites. It is specifically recommended for schistosomiasis due to its efficacy against adult forms of the parasites and its ability to target a wide range of schistosome species.

Other agents like pyrantel pamoate, albendazole, and mebendazole are effective against different types of helminth infections but are primarily used for nematodes (roundworms) and do not have significant activity against schistosomiasis. Pyrantel pamoate is often used for pinworm and roundworm infections, while albendazole and mebendazole are frequently utilized for treating various intestinal nematodes and some cestodes (tapeworms), but they are not suitable for the treatment of schistosomiasis specifically. Thus, praziquantel stands out as the correct choice for addressing schistosomiasis.