Schistosomiasis, which is caused by parasitic flatworms, affects nearly 210 million people worldwide, primarily in Africa, Asia, and South America, and is responsible for about 200,000 deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization.
A research team from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and several international organizations looked at tea infusions made from two species of the wormwood plant in the treatment of the parasitic infection and compared it to the standard care, praziquantel.
Joining me to discuss the research is Pamela Weathers, PhD. Dr Weathers is a professor of biology and biotechnology at WPI and a co-author of the study.
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