What type of infections do praziquantel primarily treat?

Praziquantel is primarily used to treat infections caused by trematodes (flukes) and cestodes (tapeworms). It works by causing severe damage to the outer surface of these parasites, ultimately leading to their death.

Trematodes are flatworms that can cause various diseases in humans, such as schistosomiasis, while cestodes include tapeworm species that infect the intestines. Praziquantel's effectiveness against both of these types of helminths makes it a broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent within this specific category.

Both types of infections are significant public health concerns in many regions, and the ability of praziquantel to treat both sets of parasites effectively highlights its importance in the treatment of helminthic infections. Therefore, selecting the option that includes both trematode and cestode infections accurately reflects the medication's primary indications.