Short report: impact of ivermectin community-level treatments on elimination of adult Onchocerca volvulus when individuals receive multiple treatments per year.
A reanalysis of several published reports indicates that when community-wide biannual treatment disrupts transmission of new infection, a profound macrofilaricidal effect of ivermectin (Mectizan) occurs that is accelerated for individuals treated 4 times a year (4x/yr). The effect is particularly obvious on adult male worms and suggests that this gender is susceptible to repetitive treatment after transmission has been blocked or greatly reduced as a result of community treatment.
Cupp
Eddie W
EW
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5413, USA. cupped@auburn.edu
Cupp
Mary S
MS
D000818:Animals; D002163:Cameroon / Q000453:epidemiology; D003153:Community Health Services; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005369:Filaricides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006166:Guatemala / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D017181:Onchocerca volvulus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009855:Onchocerciasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care
D005369:Filaricides; D007559:Ivermectin