Efficacy of ivermectin in the treatment of strongyloidiasis complicating AIDS.
Nine adult male homosexuals who were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (five with AIDS-defining conditions) and harbored Strongyloides stercoralis received ivermectin on a compassionate basis for persistent intestinal infection. Hyperinfection was present in all cases. Ivermectin was given either as a single oral dose (200 micrograms/kg) or on a multidose schedule (200 micrograms/kg.d) on days 1, 2, 15, and 16. All seven patients who received multiple doses showed sustained clinical and parasitological cure, whereas one of two patients who received single-dose therapy relapsed promptly and fatally. Remissions have been maintained for at least 7 months and up to 3 years of follow-up. Ivermectin appears promising in the treatment of strongyloidiasis in patients with AIDS. Because of the risk of hyperinfection and/or disseminated disease, multidose courses are warranted. We are not aware of other reports describing the efficacy of antiparasitic drugs for strongyloidiasis in patients with AIDS.
Torres
J R
JR
Instituto de Medicina Tropical Felix Pifano C., Universidad Central de Venezuela.
Isturiz
R
R
Murillo
J
J
Guzman
M
M
Contreras
R
R
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017171:Strongyloides stercoralis; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
D007559:Ivermectin