A Review of Praziquantel Resistance in Schistosomes and the Future of Schistosomiasis Control

Schistosomiasis is a group of both acute and chronic parasitic trematode infections of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice to treat schistosomiasis for decades. Though it is effective against all three clinically relevant species, heavy reliance on PZQ has led to concerns of schistosome resistance, especially in areas that have implemented this drug in mass drug administration (MDA) programs. Although there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that schistosomes are becoming resistant to PZQ on a large scale, other control methods are a necessity to best treat and eliminate schistosomiasis. This article summarizes the available literature concerning PZQ resistance in schistosomes, proposed mechanisms of resistance, genomic studies in schistosomes, and alternative methods of schistosomiasis control.