Ivermectin for human strongyloidiasis and other intestinal helminths

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1989 Mar;40(3):304-9. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.1989.40.304.

Abstract

Since ivermectin, a mixture of 2 closely related macrocyclic lactones, has proven highly effective against animal intestinal nematodes, trials were undertaken to determine its efficacy against human intestinal nematodes. We tested 110 patients with strongyloidiasis and 90 with enterobiasis; many had other intercurrent intestinal nematode infections. Stool examinations were done before and after patients were given a single dose of oral ivermectin capsules (50, 100, 150, or 200 micrograms/kg body wt); 55 recipients of 100 or 200 micrograms/kg doses received a second identical dose the next day. Kato and saline smears, ethyl acetate concentration, modified Baermann's technique, and Harada-Mori cultures were repeated; cure was defined as complete absence of eggs and/or larvae from stools tested 30 days after dosing. Ivermectin was well tolerated. Overall cure rates at all doses 30 days after therapy averaged 88% for strongyloidiasis, 100% for ascariasis, 85% for trichuriasis, and 85% for enterobiasis. Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus were little affected.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / drug therapy*
  • Ivermectin / administration & dosage
  • Ivermectin / adverse effects
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxyuriasis / drug therapy*
  • Peru
  • Strongyloidiasis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Ivermectin