Which type of parasitic infection is Praziquantel primarily used to treat?

Praziquantel is primarily effective against trematodes, commonly known as flukes, and certain cestodes, which are tapeworms. The mechanism of action for Praziquantel involves increasing the permeability of the parasite's cell membranes to calcium ions, leading to paralysis and eventual death of the parasite. This action is particularly effective against the adult forms of these parasitic worms, allowing for effective treatment of infections such as schistosomiasis, which is caused by trematodes, as well as certain infections caused by cestodes, such as taeniasis.

Praziquantel does not target protozoa, which are single-celled organisms that require different types of medications for treatment, nor does it address nematodes, or roundworms, for which other anthelmintics are more suitable. Additionally, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics and are entirely outside the scope of Praziquantel's action. Thus, the specificity of Praziquantel for trematodes and certain cestodes underscores its essential role in the therapeutic management of these parasitic infections.