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Wafeu GS, Lepage TM, Campillo JT, Efon-Ekangouo A, Nana-Djeunga HC, Nzune-Toche N, Domche A, Sumo L, Njitchouang GR, Tsasse MAF, Bopda J, Balog YA, Niamsi-Emalio Y, Mbickmen-Tchana S, Talla GK, Kana YSN, Messina FDM, Pion SD, Kuesel AC, Kamgno J, Boussinesq M, Chesnais CB. Safety and Short-term Efficacy of a Single Dose of 2 mg Moxidectin in Loa loa-Infected Individuals: A Double-Blind, Randomized Ivermectin-Controlled Trial With Ascending Microfilarial Densities. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae240. [PMID: 38966851 PMCID: PMC11222972 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the macrocylic lactone moxidectin (MOX) at 8 mg dosage for onchocerciasis treatment in individuals aged ≥12 years. Severe adverse reactions have occurred after ivermectin (IVM), also a macrocyclic lactone, in individuals with high Loa microfilarial density (MFD). This study compared the safety and efficacy of a 2 mg MOX dose and the standard 150 µg/kg IVM dose in individuals with low L loa MFD. Methods A double-blind, randomized, ivermectin-controlled trial of a 2 mg moxidectin dose was conducted in Cameroon between May and July 2022. It enrolled 72 adult men with L loa MFD between 5 and 1000 microfilariae/mL. Outcomes were occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and L loa MFD reduction rate during the first month off treatment. Results No serious or severe AEs occurred among the 36 MOX- or the 36 IVM-treated individuals. Forty-nine AEs occurred in the MOX arm versus 59 AEs in the IVM arm. Grade 2 AE incidence was higher among IVM- than MOX-treated participants (38.5% and 14.3%, respectively, P = .043). Median MFD reduction rates were significantly higher after IVM than MOX at day 3 (70.2% vs 48.5%), day 7 (76.4% vs 50.0%), and day 30 (79.8% vs 48.1%). Conclusions A single 2 mg MOX dose is as safe as 150 µg/kg IVM in patients with low L loa MFD. Further studies with higher MOX doses and in patients with higher MFD are warranted. Clinical Trials Registration NCT04049851.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy S Wafeu
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Tristan M Lepage
- TransVIHMI, Université de Montpellier, Inserm Unité 1175, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Jeremy T Campillo
- TransVIHMI, Université de Montpellier, Inserm Unité 1175, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Arnauld Efon-Ekangouo
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Hugues-Clotaire Nana-Djeunga
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Narcisse Nzune-Toche
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - André Domche
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Laurentine Sumo
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, University of Ebolowa, Ebolowa, Cameroon
| | - Guy-Roger Njitchouang
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Martine Augusta Flore Tsasse
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jean Bopda
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Yves Aubin Balog
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Yannick Niamsi-Emalio
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Stève Mbickmen-Tchana
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Gervais Kamga Talla
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Yannick Sédrick Nguedia Kana
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Félicité Diane Maga Messina
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Sébastien D Pion
- TransVIHMI, Université de Montpellier, Inserm Unité 1175, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Annette C Kuesel
- Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, United Nations Children’s Fund/United Nations Development Programme/World Bank/World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Kamgno
- Epidemiology and Biostatistic Department, Higher Institute of Scientific and Medical Research, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Michel Boussinesq
- TransVIHMI, Université de Montpellier, Inserm Unité 1175, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Cedric B Chesnais
- TransVIHMI, Université de Montpellier, Inserm Unité 1175, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
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Failoc-Rojas VE, Silva-Díaz H, Maguiña JL, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Díaz-Velez C, Apolaya-Segura M, Valladares-Garrido MJ. Evidence-based indications for ivermectin in parasitic diseases: An integrated approach to context and challenges in Peru. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 23:e00320. [PMID: 37731824 PMCID: PMC10507222 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin has emerged as a therapeutic option for various parasitic diseases, including strongyloidiasis, scabies, lice infestations, gnathostomiasis, and myiasis. This study comprehensively reviews the evidence-based indications for ivermectin in treating parasitic diseases, considering the unique context and challenges in Peru. Fourteen studies were selected from a systematic search of scientific evidence on ivermectin in PubMed, from 2010 to July 2022. The optimal dosage of ivermectin for treating onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, and enterobiasis ranges from 150 to 200 μg/kg, while lymphatic filariasis requires a higher dose of 400 μg/kg (Brown et al., 2000). However, increased dosages have been associated with a higher incidence of ocular adverse events. Scientific evidence shows that ivermectin can be safely and effectively administered to children weighing less than 15 kg. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide strong support for the efficacy and safety of ivermectin in combating parasitic infections. Ivermectin has proven to be an effective treatment for various parasitic diseases, including intestinal parasites, ectoparasites, filariasis, and onchocerciasis. Dosages ranging from 200 μg/kg to 400 μg/kg are generally safe, with adjustments made according to the specific pathology, patient age, and weight/height. Given Peru's prevailing social and environmental conditions, the high burden of intestinal parasites and ectoparasites in the country underscores the importance of ivermectin in addressing these health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgilio E. Failoc-Rojas
- Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Heber Silva-Díaz
- Facultad de Medicina Huamana, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Chiclayo, Peru
| | - Jorge L. Maguiña
- Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundacion Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102, Lebanon
| | - Cristian Díaz-Velez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego, Trujillo, Peru
- Instituto Nacional Cardiovascular, INCOR, EsSalud, Lima, Peru
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Boullé C, Chesnais CB, Kamgno J, Gardon J, Chippaux JP, Ranque S, Garcia A, Pion SD, Boussinesq M. Evaluating post-treatment Loa loa microfilarial densities to classify serious adverse events caused by ivermectin: a retrospective analysis. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e93-e101. [PMID: 36646105 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(22)00331-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The elimination of onchocerciasis requires increasing ivermectin treatment coverage in communities hypoendemic for onchocerciasis. In areas where loiasis is co-endemic, this approach is complicated by the risk of serious adverse events following treatment with ivermectin in individuals with a high Loa loa microfilarial density (MFD). We aimed to evaluate the extent to which the pre-treatment MFD can be inferred from post-treatment MFDs. METHODS For this retrospective analysis, we used data from seven clinical or community trials (six were used for the main analysis and one for the secondary analysis) conducted in Cameroon, in which MFDs were measured both before and after (within 14 days) receiving a single dose of ivermectin (150-200 μg/kg bodyweight). The primary objective was to establish the receiver operating characteristic curves and the corresponding area under the curve statistics of MFD measured after treatment to classify pre-treatment MFD (MFDD0) according to common risk thresholds of serious adverse events. We assessed the performance of post-treatment MFD to accurately classify MFDD0 according to commonly used thresholds using bootstrap procedures. FINDINGS 281 individuals with MFD measurements available before and 3-10 days after ivermectin treatment were enrolled. Our results show that an MFD of more than 3500 L loa microfilariae per mL of blood (mf per mL) 3 or 4 days after treatment indicates a 68·6% chance (positive predictive value) of an MFDD0 of more than 20 000 mf per mL. An MFD of more than 3500 mf per mL at day 5-10 corresponds to a 72·2% chance of having an MFDD0 of more than 20 000 mf per mL. Conversely, an MFD of less than 2500 microfilariae per mL at day 3-4 or day 5-10 corresponds to a probability of 92·3% or 92·8% (negative predictive value) of having MFDD0 of less than 20 000 mf per mL. An MFD less than 1500 mf per mL on days 3-4 after treatment was associated with a 78·3% probability of having an MFDD0 less than 8000 mf per mL; this probability increased to 89·6% on days 5-10 after treatment. INTERPRETATION The MFD threshold of 1000 mf per mL within 1 month of treatment, which is commonly used to attribute the occurrence of a serious adverse event to ivermectin, should be revised. In this study, we present tables that can help to assess this attributability as part of mass or individual treatments. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Boullé
- UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), INSERM Unité 1175, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Services des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Montpellier University Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Colombière, Montpellier, France.
| | - Cédric B Chesnais
- UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), INSERM Unité 1175, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Joseph Kamgno
- Centre for Research on Filariasis and other Tropical Diseases, Yaoundé, Cameroon; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jacques Gardon
- Hydrosciences Montpellier, IRD, Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Stéphane Ranque
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Service de Santé des Armées (SSA), VITROME, Institut Hospito-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - André Garcia
- UMR 261 MERIT, IRD, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien D Pion
- UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), INSERM Unité 1175, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Michel Boussinesq
- UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), INSERM Unité 1175, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
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Manock SR, Nsue VU, Olotu A, Mpina M, Nyakarungu E, Raso J, Mtoro A, Ondo Mangue ME, Ntutumu Pasialo BE, Nguema R, Riyahi P, Schindler T, Daubenberger C, Church LWP, Billingsley PF, Richie TL, Abdulla S, Hoffman SL. OUP accepted manuscript. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:745-749. [PMID: 35394038 PMCID: PMC9355999 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Loa loa microfilariae were found on thick blood smears (TBSs) from 8 of 300 (2.7%) residents of Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, during a Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite malaria vaccine clinical trial. Only one subject was found to have microfilaraemia on his first exam; parasites were not discovered in the other seven until subsequent TBSs were performed, at times many weeks into the study. All infected individuals were asymptomatic, and were offered treatment with diethylcarbamazine, per national guidelines. L. loa microfilaraemia complicated the enrolment or continued participation of these eight trial subjects, and only one was able to complete all study procedures. If ruling out loiasis is deemed to be important during clinical trials, tests that are more sensitive than TBSs should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicente Urbano Nsue
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Ally Olotu
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 230-80108 Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Maximillian Mpina
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Nyakarungu
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - José Raso
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Ali Mtoro
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Martín Eka Ondo Mangue
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | | | - Rufino Nguema
- National Program for Onchocerciasis and Other Filariasis Control, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | | | - Tobias Schindler
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Daubenberger
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Clinical Immunology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Salim Abdulla
- Department of Interventions & Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
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Kositz C, Bradley J, Hutchins H, Last A, D'Alessandro U, Marks M. Broadening the range of use cases for ivermectin - a review of the evidence. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 116:201-212. [PMID: 34323283 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent that interferes with glutamate-gated chloride channels found in invertebrates but not in vertebrate species. Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin-based regimes has been a mainstay of elimination efforts targeting onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis for more than 3 decades. More recently, interest in the use of ivermectin to control other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as soil-transmitted helminths and scabies has grown. Interest has been further stimulated by the fact that ivermectin displays endectocidal efficacy against various Anopheles species capable of transmitting malaria. Therefore there is growing interest in using ivermectin MDA as a tool that might aid in the control of both malaria and several NTDs. In this review we outline the evidence base to date on these emerging indications for ivermectin MDA with reference to clinical and public health data and discuss the rationale for evaluating the range of impacts of a malaria ivermectin MDA on other NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kositz
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - John Bradley
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Harry Hutchins
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, UK
| | - Anna Last
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, UK.,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Mortimer Market Capper Street, WC1E 6JB, London, UK
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Disease Control and Elimination, Medical Research Council Unit Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Atlantic Boulevard, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Michael Marks
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, WC1E 7HT, London, UK.,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Mortimer Market Capper Street, WC1E 6JB, London, UK
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6
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Amato VS, Tuon FF. Mass Drug Administration for the Control of Strongyloides stercoralis Infection: Progress and Challenges. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:3229-3231. [PMID: 32421778 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valdir Sabbaga Amato
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Molestias Infecciosas e Parasitarias da Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Francisco Tuon
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Collateral Impact of Community-Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) for Onchocerciasis on Parasitological Indicators of Loa loa Infection. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121043. [PMID: 33322724 PMCID: PMC7764802 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin (IVM) is a broad spectrum endectocide whose initial indication was onchocerciasis. Although loiasis is not among its indications, IVM also exhibits antiparasitic activity against Loa loa. IVM-based preventive chemotherapies (PCs), so-called community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI), have led to the interruption of transmission of onchocerciasis in some foci. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Yabassi Health District where CDTI have been implemented since 20 years to fight onchocerciasis. All volunteers aged ≥ 5 years underwent daytime calibrated thick blood smears to search for L. loa microfilariae (mf). The prevalence of loiasis was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.2-6.2), significantly lower than its baseline prevalence (12.4%; 95% CI: 10.1-15.2; Chi-Square = 21.4; df = 1; p < 0.0001). Similarly, the microfilarial density was significantly low (mean = 1.8 mf/mL; SD = 13.6; max = 73,600) compared to baseline microfilarial density (mean = 839.3 mf/mL; SD = 6447.1; max = 130,840; Wilcoxon W = 179,904.5; p < 0.0001). This study revealed that the endemicity level of loiasis was significantly low compared to its baseline value, indicating a significant impact of IVM-based PC on this filarial disease. However, transmission is still ongoing, and heavily infected individuals are still found in communities, supporting why some individuals are still experiencing severe adverse events despite > 2 decades of CDTI in this Health District.
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Gwee A, Duffull S, Zhu X, Tong SYC, Cranswick N, McWhinney B, Ungerer J, Francis J, Steer AC. Population pharmacokinetics of ivermectin for the treatment of scabies in Indigenous Australian children. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008886. [PMID: 33284799 PMCID: PMC7746298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent used for the treatment and control of neglected tropical diseases. In Australia, ivermectin is primarily used for scabies and is licensed in children aged ≥5 years weighing >15 kg. However, young children, aged <5 years, are particularly vulnerable to scabies and its secondary complications. Therefore, this study aimed to determine an appropriate ivermectin dose for children aged 2 to 4 years and weighing ≤15 kg. We conducted a prospective, pharmacokinetic study of ivermectin in Indigenous Australian children aged between 5 and 15 years and weighing >15 kg. Doses of 200 μg/kg rounded to the nearest whole or half 3 mg tablet were given to children with scabies and ivermectin concentrations determined at two time points after dosing. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using non-linear mixed effects modelling. A separate covariate database of children aged 2 to 4 years and weighing <15 kg was used to generate 1000 virtual patients and simulate the dose required to achieve equivalent drug exposure in young children as those aged ≥5 years. Overall, 26 children who had 48 ivermectin concentrations determined were included, 11 (42%) were male, the median age was 10.9 years and median body weight 37.6 kg. The final model was a two-compartment model with first-order absorption and linear elimination. For simulated children aged 2 to 4 years, a dose of 3 mg in children weighing 10–15 kg produced similar drug exposures to those >5 years. The median simulated area under the concentration-time curve was 976 μg∙h/L. Using modelling, we have identified a dosing strategy for ivermectin in children aged 2 to 4 years and weighing less than 15 kg that can be prospectively evaluated for safety and efficacy. Ivermectin is an important drug for the control and treatment of neglected tropical diseases. However, despite numerous studies showing that ivermectin is safe and well tolerated in young children, it is not currently recommended in young children <5 years and <15 kg. Therefore, there are no guidelines for the dose of ivermectin in young or small children. In this study, we firstly determined how much ivermectin is present in blood in children aged 5 years and older. We then used this information to model what happens to ivermectin in childrens’ bodies allowing us to calculate the dose required in children aged less than 5 years and weighing under 15 kg. This study provides a new dosing guideline that can now be tested in clinical studies of children <5 years and <15 kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gwee
- Department of General Medicine, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Infection and Immunity theme, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephen Duffull
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Infection and Immunity theme, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Steven Y. C. Tong
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Doherty Department University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
- Global and tropical health division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Noel Cranswick
- Department of General Medicine, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Infection and Immunity theme, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brett McWhinney
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jacobus Ungerer
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joshua Francis
- Global and tropical health division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Andrew C. Steer
- Department of General Medicine, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Infection and Immunity theme, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Milton P, Hamley JID, Walker M, Basáñez MG. Moxidectin: an oral treatment for human onchocerciasis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:1067-1081. [PMID: 32715787 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1792772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Moxidectin is a milbemycin endectocide recently approved for the treatment of human onchocerciasis. Onchocerciasis, earmarked for elimination of transmission, is a filarial infection endemic in Africa, Yemen, and the Amazonian focus straddling Venezuela and Brazil. Concerns over whether the predominant treatment strategy (yearly mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin) is sufficient to achieve elimination in all endemic foci have refocussed attention upon alternative treatments. Moxidectin's stronger and longer microfilarial suppression compared to ivermectin in both phase II and III clinical trials indicates its potential as a novel powerful drug for onchocerciasis elimination. AREAS COVERED This work summarizes the chemistry and pharmacology of moxidectin, reviews the phase II and III clinical trials evidence on tolerability, safety, and efficacy of moxidectin versus ivermectin, and discusses the implications of moxidectin's current regulatory status. EXPERT OPINION Moxidectin's superior clinical performance has the potential to substantially reduce times to elimination compared to ivermectin. If donated, moxidectin could mitigate the additional programmatic costs of biannual ivermectin distribution because, unlike other alternatives, it can use the existing community-directed treatment infrastructure. A pediatric indication (for children <12 years) and determination of its usefulness in onchocerciasis-loiasis co-endemic areas will greatly help fulfill the potential of moxidectin for the treatment and elimination of onchocerciasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Milton
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London , London, UK
| | - Jonathan I D Hamley
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London , London, UK
| | - Martin Walker
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London , London, UK.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College , Hatfield, UK
| | - María-Gloria Basáñez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis (MRC GIDA), Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London , London, UK
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Gobbi F, Buonfrate D, Tamarozzi F, Degani M, Angheben A, Bisoffi Z. Efficacy of High-Dose Albendazole with Ivermectin for Treating Imported Loiasis, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1574-1576. [PMID: 31310225 PMCID: PMC6649345 DOI: 10.3201/eid2508.190011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the outcomes of 16 cases of imported loiasis in Italy. Patients had microfilaremia <20,000/mL and were treated with high-dose albendazole for 28 days and a single dose of ivermectin. This combination might be an effective treatment option in nonendemic areas, when diethylcarbamazine, the drug of choice, is not available.
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Buell KG, Whittaker C, Chesnais CB, Jewell PD, Pion SDS, Walker M, Basáñez MG, Boussinesq M. Atypical Clinical Manifestations of Loiasis and Their Relevance for Endemic Populations. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz417. [PMID: 31696139 PMCID: PMC6824532 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Loiasis is mostly considered a relatively benign infection when compared with other filarial and parasitic diseases, with Calabar swellings and eyeworm being the most common signs. Yet, there are numerous reports in the literature of more serious sequelae. Establishing the relationship between infection and disease is a crucial first step toward estimating the burden of loiasis. Methods We conducted a systematic review of case reports containing 329 individuals and detailing clinical manifestations of loiasis with a focus on nonclassical, atypical presentations. Results Results indicate a high proportion (47%) of atypical presentations in the case reports identified, encompassing a wide range of cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, neurological, ophthalmological, and dermatological pathologies. Individuals with high microfilarial densities and residing in an endemic country were at greater risk of suffering from atypical manifestations. Conclusions Our findings have important implications for understanding the clinical spectrum of conditions associated with Loa loa infection, which extends well beyond the classical eyeworm and Calabar swellings. As case reports may overestimate the true rate of atypical manifestations in endemic populations, large-scale, longitudinal clinico-epidemiological studies will be required to refine our estimates and demonstrate causality between loiasis and the breadth of clinical manifestations reported. Even if the rates of atypical presentations were found to be lower, given that residents of loiasis-endemic areas are both numerous and the group most at risk of severe atypical manifestations, our conclusions support the recognition of loiasis as a significant public health burden across Central Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G Buell
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's Campus), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Charles Whittaker
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's Campus), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Cédric B Chesnais
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-INSERM U1175-Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Paul D Jewell
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's Campus), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sébastien D S Pion
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-INSERM U1175-Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Maria-Gloria Basáñez
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research and MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's Campus), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michel Boussinesq
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-INSERM U1175-Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
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Pion SD, Nana-Djeunga H, Niamsi-Emalio Y, Chesnais CB, Deléglise H, Mackenzie C, Stolk W, Fletcher DA, Klion AD, Nutman TB, Boussinesq M, Kamgno J. Implications for annual retesting after a test-and-not-treat strategy for onchocerciasis elimination in areas co-endemic with Loa loa infection: an observational cohort study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 20:102-109. [PMID: 31676244 PMCID: PMC8150319 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30554-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background A test-and-not-treat (TaNT) strategy has been developed to prevent people with high concentrations of circulating Loa loa microfilariae (>20 000 microfilariae per mL) developing serious adverse events after ivermectin treatment during mass drug administration to eliminate onchocerciasis. An important question related to cost and programmatic issues is whether annual retesting is required for everyone. We therefore aimed to investigate changes in L loa microfilarial densities during TaNT campaigns run 18 months apart. Methods In this observational cohort study, we assessed the participants of two TaNT campaigns for onchocerciasis. These campaigns, which were run by a research team, together with personnel from the Ministry of Health and community health workers, were done in six health areas (in 89 communities) in Okola health district (Cameroon); the first campaign was run between Aug 10, and Oct 29, 2015, and the second was run between March 7, and May 26, 2017. All individuals aged 5 years and older were invited to be screened for Loa loa microfilaraemia before being offered ivermectin (unless contraindicated). L loa microfilarial density was measured at the point of care using the LoaScope. All those with a L loa microfilarial density of 20 000 microfilariae per mL or less were offered treatment; in the first 2 weeks of the 2015 campaign, a higher exclusion threshold of 26 000 microfilariae per mL or less was used. At both rounds of the intervention, participants were registered with a paper form, in which personal information were collected. In 2017, we also recorded whether each individual reported participation in the 2015 campaign. The primary outcome, assessed in all participants, was whether L loa microfilarial density was above or below the exclusion threshold (ie, the criteria that guided the decision to treat). Findings In the 2015 TaNT campaign, 26 415 people were censused versus 29 587 people in the 2017 TaNT campaign. All individuals aged 5 years and older without other contraindications to treatment (22 842 people in 2015 and 25 421 people in 2017) were invited to be screened for L loa microfilaraemia before being offered ivermectin. In 2015, 16 182 individuals were examined with the LoaScope, versus 18 697 individuals in the same communities in 2017. 344 (2·1%) individuals were excluded from ivermectin treatment because of a high L loa microfilarial density in 2015, versus 283 (1·5%) individuals in 2017 (p<0·0001). Records from 2017 could be matched to those from 2015 for 6983 individuals (43·2% of the 2015 participants). In this cohort, in 2017, 6981 (>99·9%) of 6983 individuals treated with ivermectin in 2015 had L loa microfilariae density below the level associated with neurological serious adverse events. Interpretation Individuals treated with ivermectin do not need to be retested for L loa microfilaraemia before the next treatment, provided that they can be re-identified. This adjusted approach will enable substantial cost savings and facilitate reaching programmatic goals for elimination of onchocerciasis in areas that are co-endemic for loiasis. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Division of Intramural Research (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, US National Institutes of Health).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Ds Pion
- French Research Institute for Development-Unité Mixte Internationale 233 and French National Institute of Health and Medical Research-Unit 1175, University of Montpellier Montpellier, France.
| | - Hugues Nana-Djeunga
- Centre for Research on Filariasis and other Tropical Diseases, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Cédric B Chesnais
- French Research Institute for Development-Unité Mixte Internationale 233 and French National Institute of Health and Medical Research-Unit 1175, University of Montpellier Montpellier, France
| | - Hugo Deléglise
- French Research Institute for Development-Unité Mixte Internationale 233 and French National Institute of Health and Medical Research-Unit 1175, University of Montpellier Montpellier, France
| | - Charles Mackenzie
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Wilma Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel A Fletcher
- Department of Bioengineering and Biophysics Programme, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Amy D Klion
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas B Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michel Boussinesq
- French Research Institute for Development-Unité Mixte Internationale 233 and French National Institute of Health and Medical Research-Unit 1175, University of Montpellier Montpellier, France
| | - Joseph Kamgno
- Centre for Research on Filariasis and other Tropical Diseases, Yaounde, Cameroon
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Sharun K, Shyamkumar TS, Aneesha VA, Dhama K, Pawde AM, Pal A. Current therapeutic applications and pharmacokinetic modulations of ivermectin. Vet World 2019; 12:1204-1211. [PMID: 31641298 PMCID: PMC6755388 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1204-1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin is considered to be a wonder drug due to its broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity against both ectoparasites and endoparasites (under class of endectocide) and has multiple applications in both veterinary and human medicine. In particular, ivermectin is commonly used in the treatment of different kinds of infections and infestations. By altering the vehicles used in the formulations, the pharmacokinetic properties of different ivermectin preparations can be altered. Since its development, various vehicles have been evaluated to assess the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic systemic concentrations of ivermectin in different species. A subcutaneous route of administration is preferred over a topical or an oral route for ivermectin due to superior bioavailability. Different formulations of ivermectin have been developed over the years, such as stabilized aqueous formulations, osmotic pumps, controlled release capsules, silicone carriers, zein microspheres, biodegradable microparticulate drug delivery systems, lipid nanocapsules, solid lipid nanoparticles, sustained-release ivermectin varnish, sustained-release ivermectin-loaded solid dispersion suspension, and biodegradable subcutaneous implants. However, several reports of ivermectin resistance have been identified in different parts of the world over the past few years. Continuous use of suboptimal formulations or sub-therapeutic plasma concentrations may predispose an individual to resistance toward ivermectin. The current research trend is focused toward the need for developing ivermectin formulations that are stable, effective, and safe and that reduce the number of doses required for complete clinical cure in different parasitic diseases. Therefore, single-dose long-acting preparations of ivermectin that provide effective therapeutic drug concentrations need to be developed and commercialized, which may revolutionize drug therapy and prophylaxis against various parasitic diseases in the near future. The present review highlights the current advances in pharmacokinetic modulation of ivermectin formulations and their potent therapeutic applications, issues related to emergence of ivermectin resistance, and future trends of ivermectin usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - T. S. Shyamkumar
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - V. A. Aneesha
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhijit Motiram Pawde
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amar Pal
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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