title: Efficacy of ivermectin in the treatment of strongyloidiasis complicating AIDS.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Medicina Tropical Felix Pifano C., Universidad Central de Venezuela.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Isturiz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Murillo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guzman
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Contreras
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007559:Ivermectin