[Release of Loa loa antigens after treatment with ivermectin]

This study concerns 112 patients of whom 104 were followed up. Microfilaricidal treatment of loaiasis is sometimes followed by severe adverse reactions. Using an immunodiffusion technique and the measure of microfilaraemia by calibrated thick smear, the authors show that the intensity of adverse reactions is proportional to the quantity of microfilariae eliminated by the treatment. The appearance of Loa loa antigens within three days following treatment was evident in 83% of the subjects. Five patients presenting the serious adverse reactions described belonged to this group. However, the precise cause of these adverse reactions, allergic or toxic, has not been demonstrated.