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Updated: May 16, 2026
07:35
Demonstrating a Multi-drug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Amplification Microarray
Published on: April 25, 2014
Anthelmintic avermectins kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including multidrug-resistant clinical strains
Leah E Lim1, Catherine Vilchèze, Carol Ng
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Life Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|November 21, 2012
Summary
Avermectins, like ivermectin, show bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including drug-resistant strains. These safe, approved drugs offer a potential new strategy for tuberculosis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Avermectins are macrolides primarily known for anthelmintic properties.
- They were traditionally considered inactive against bacteria.
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis poses a significant global health challenge, especially drug-resistant strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential bactericidal activity of avermectins against mycobacterial species.
- To evaluate avermectins, including ivermectin, selamectin, and moxidectin, against drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.
- To explore the repurposing of avermectins for tuberculosis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Testing the bactericidal effects of ivermectin, selamectin, and moxidectin.
- Utilizing clinical strains of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Reviewing existing pharmacokinetic and safety data for avermectins.
Main Results:
- Ivermectin, selamectin, and moxidectin demonstrated bactericidal activity against mycobacterial species.
- This activity was confirmed against multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Avermectins possess established safety and pharmacokinetic profiles.
Conclusions:
- Avermectins exhibit potent bactericidal effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- The established safety and efficacy of avermectins support their potential repurposing for tuberculosis therapy.
- Further research into avermectin-based tuberculosis treatments is warranted.
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