High Efficacy of Ivermectin for Strongyloidiasis Treatment

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Apr 2;110(5):951-952. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0645. Print 2024 May 1.

Abstract

Infection with Strongyloides stercoralis is often asymptomatic but can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients, which can be prevented by ivermectin (IVM) treatment. The efficacy of IVM has been reported to have lessened over time in some regions as a consequence of prolonged use and mass treatment campaigns. Ivermectin has been used in Thailand for more than a decade; therefore, we investigated the efficacy of a single dose (200 µg/kg) of IVM against in asymptomatic strongyloidiasis in northeastern Thailand. Fecal samples were collected before and 2 weeks after treatment and were analyzed for the presence of Strongyloides using a modified agar plate culture and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique. Our results showed that single-dose IVM treatment successfully eliminated S. stercoralis infection in asymptomatic individuals in the endemic area with a 100% cure rate, indicating the high efficacy of IVM treatment in strongyloidiasis in northeast Thailand.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antiparasitic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Feces* / parasitology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ivermectin* / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Strongyloides stercoralis* / drug effects
  • Strongyloidiasis* / drug therapy
  • Thailand
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Ivermectin
  • Antiparasitic Agents