Management of chronic strongyloidiasis in immigrants and refugees: is serologic testing useful?
We assessed the usefulness of serologic testing in monitoring strongyloidiasis in immigrants after treatment with two doses of ivermectin. An observational study was conducted in a group of Cambodian immigrants residing in Melbourne who were treated for strongyloidiasis and followed-up in a general practice setting. Two doses of ivermectin (200 microg/kg) were administered orally. Periodic serologic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing was undertaken for up to 30 months after treatment. Antibody titers for Strongyloides sp. decreased in 95% (38 of 40) of the patients, 47.5% (19 of 40) had a decrease in optical density to less than 0.5, and 65% (26 of 40) reached levels consistent with a cure during the follow-up period. Serologic testing for Strongyloides sp. is a useful tool for monitoring a decrease in antibody levels after effective treatment. This testing should be carried out 6-12 months after treatment to ensure a sustained downward trend suggestive of cure.
Biggs
Beverley-Ann
BA
Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. babiggs@unimelb.edu.au
Caruana
Sonia
S
Mihrshahi
Seema
S
Jolley
Damien
D
Leydon
Jenne
J
Chea
Ley
L
Nuon
Sophy
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D001315:Australia; D002160:Cambodia / Q000208:ethnology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012036:Refugees; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000871:Anthelmintics; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D007559:Ivermectin