Effect of praziquantel on hepatic fibrosis in experimental Schistosomiasis mansoni.

The effect of specific chemotherapy on hepatic fibrosis was studied in Swiss albino mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. The effect of treatment with praziquantel at 8, 12, and 20 weeks postinfection on fibrosis was assessed by determination of total hepatic collagen content, ratio of type III/I + III collagen, granuloma volume, and histopathological examination of liver section. Total collagen content was reduced in mice treated at the 8th week of infection compared to respective infected controls. The ratio of type III/I collagen was within normal limits. The decrease in collagen deposition was not observed when treatment was given 12 or 20 weeks postinfection. Early specific treatment of schistosomiasis may be important in the therapeutic approach to the control of morbidity in schistosomiasis.