MSI_000055760

Praziquantel is only found in individuals that have used or taken this drug. It is an anthelmintic used in most schistosome and many cestode infestations. [PubChem]Praziquantel works by causing severe spasms and paralysis of the worms muscles. This paralysis is accompanied - and probably caused - by a rapid Ca 2+ influx inside the schistosome. Morphological alterations are another early effect of praziquantel. These morphological alterations are accompanied by an increased exposure of schistosome antigens at the parasite surface. The worms are then either completely destroyed in the intestine or passed in the stool. An interesting quirk of praziquantel is that it is relatively ineffective against juvenile schistosomes. While initially effective, effectiveness against schistosomes decreases until it reaches a minimum at 3-4 weeks. Effectiveness then increases again until it is once again fully effective at 6-7 weeks. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), an essential detoxification enzyme in parasitic helminths, is a major vaccine target and a drug target against schistosomiasis. Schistosome calcium ion channels are currently the only known target of praziquantel. P - Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents > P02 - Anthelmintics > P02B - Antitrematodals > P02BA - Quinoline derivatives and related substances D000890 - Anti-Infective Agents > D000977 - Antiparasitic Agents > D000871 - Anthelmintics C254 - Anti-Infective Agent > C276 - Antiparasitic Agent > C250 - Antihelminthic Agent