Ivermectin for the Treatment of Soil-Transmitted Helmithiases

AbstractPurpose of reviewTo present ivermectin as a transformational tool for the control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as onchocerciasis and the drug of choice for the treatment of strongyloidiasis. Ivermectin is being re-discovered as a candidate drug for a variety of new indications among NTDs. In this review, new data are analyzed and put in context of current research interest as well as of the un-addressed issues for the treatment of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infections.Recent findingsThe addition of ivermectin to the benzimidazole drugs appears as the most promising solution for three key issues for the WHO-guided strategy for STH control; these issues are the low efficacy of the current regimens againstTrichuris trichiura, the risk of emergence of benzimidazole resistance, and the inclusion ofStrongyloides stercoralis in the strategy. Pharmacokinetic aspects of ivermectin along with the large experience in the treatment of intestinal helminths in veterinary medicine also show potential research paths for better utilization of this drug for human infections.SummaryNew opportunities for the use of ivermectin in the control of STH as a public health problem are encouraging. However, this comes associated with new challenges not only of generating an adequate drug supply, but also for creating an access plan within a landscape of unresolved needs for the current indications.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research