Chemotherapy of Trematode and Cestode Infections

This specialized parasitology topic is designed for advanced tertiary students in Zambia studying biomedical sciences or tropical medicine. It covers the pharmacology of drugs used against flukes (trematodes) and tapeworms (cestodes). The module focuses on Praziquantel as the drug of choice for most trematode infections (e.g., schistosomiasis) and its mechanism involving increased calcium permeability leading to parasite paralysis. For cestode infections, it details the use of Albendazole and Niclosamide, explaining their actions on parasite glucose uptake and microtubule function. Key therapeutic applications such as treating neurocysticercosis and hydatid disease are emphasized. For Zambian learners, understanding these treatments is vital, as diseases like schistosomiasis are endemic, and managing complex parasitic infections requires precise pharmacological knowledge for successful patient outcomes and national disease control programs.