A drug intervention trial (praziquantel) against the Schistosoma japonicum parasite in China.

INTERVENTION: A combination of bovine and human treatment with the drug praziquantel. Oral dose of 40mg/Kg for humans (as per WHO guidelines);25mg/Kg for water buffaloes and 30 mg/Kg for cattle. Oral tablets once per year for humans for four years. Oral tablets twice per year for bovines for four years. CONDITION: Preventive schistosomiasis intervention PRIMARY OUTCOME: Human Incidence (%) of Schistosoma japonicum infection in humans within study villages. Assessed by the Kato Katz thick smear faecal technique to detemine parasite egg numbers. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Bovine infection rates (%) of Schistosoma japonicum in bovines assessed miracidial larva hatching test. INCLUSION CRITERIA: a) a resident of the selected village; b) a resident of the village for more than 12 months; c) aged 5–60 years; d) not intending to migrate out of the village for the next 4 years; e) continuously reside in the study area over the study period; f) consent obtained.