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Effect of ivermectin (Mectizan) on intestinal nematodes
S Taticheff1, A Kebede, T Bulto
1National Research Institute of Health, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Medical Journal
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Ivermectin effectively treats onchocerciasis and also eliminates Strongyloides stercoralis and Ascaris lumbricoides infections. This mass drug administration significantly reduces geohelminth intensity and transmission in co-endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Onchocerciasis control programs often involve mass treatment with ivermectin.
- The impact of ivermectin on co-endemic intestinal nematode infections is of significant public health interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of ivermectin against various intestinal nematodes.
- To evaluate the drug's effect on Strongyloides stercoralis and Ascaris lumbricoides in Southwest Ethiopia.
Main Methods:
- A community-based study involving 231 participants in Bebeka, Ethiopia.
- Stool sample collection before and at two weeks and three months post-ivermectin treatment (150 mcg/kg).
- Analysis of intestinal parasite prevalence and intensity.
Main Results:
- Ivermectin demonstrated 100% efficacy against Strongyloides stercoralis.
- Ascaris lumbricoides egg prevalence decreased from 74.5% to 3.5% (15 days) and 48.9% (3 months) post-treatment.
- Significant reduction in other geohelminths observed, though with lower cure rates.
Conclusions:
- Ivermectin offers additional benefits beyond onchocerciasis control by eliminating Strongyloides and Ascaris infections.
- Mass chemotherapy with ivermectin can reduce the intensity and transmission of co-endemic enteric nematodes.
- The findings highlight the public health significance of ivermectin in integrated parasite control strategies.