Onchocerciasis and reproductive health in Ecuador.
A retrospective study was performed comparing the number of spontaneous abortions in a hyperendemic area for onchocerciasis in Ecuador before and after invermectin treatment with that of a comparable non-endemic area. The frequency of spontaneous abortions was associated with a change in the community microfilarial load, suggesting that there may be a relationship between spontaneous abortions and infection with Onchocerca volvulus. In the endemic area, a significantly greater rate of spontaneous abortions was seen in the period before ivermectin distribution compared to that after the start of ivermectin treatments every 6 months. In the non-endemic area, no change in the rate of spontaneous abortions was seen over the same time period. In addition to the well-documented improvements in skin and ocular disease, ivermectin may also improve the reproductive health of endemic populations.
Guderian
R H
RH
National Onchocerciasis Control Programme, Hospital Vozandes, Quito, Ecuador.
Lovato
R
R
Anselmi
M
M
Mancero
T
T
Cooper
P J
PJ
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004484:Ecuador / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008842:Microfilariae; D017181:Onchocerca volvulus; D009855:Onchocerciasis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000871:Anthelmintics; D007559:Ivermectin