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Effect of Therapeutic Doses of Ivermectin on Subjects Infected with Onchocerciasis

Author Affiliations

  • 1Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, NIGERIA
  • 2 University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, NIGERIA
  • 3 Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, NIGERIA

Int. Res. J. Medical Sci., Volume 1, Issue (6), Pages 27-29, July,28 (2013)

Abstract

Impact of Onchocerciasis and the efficacy of doses of Ivermectin chemotherapy was carried out in Udi and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State using rapid assessment method (RAM) and skin biopsies for onchocercal microfilaria (MF). Out of the 1362 subjects examined and dosed with Ivermectin at a standard dosage of 150 mg/15kg body weight, 1158 (85%) were infected with onchocerciasis. Individual onchocercal signs recorded were microfilaria 498 (36.6%), leopard skin 486 (35%), nodules 756 (55.5%), visual impairment 534 (39.2%) and blindness rate of 57 (4.2%). Post-drug survey was carried out in three of the communities after 6 months interval and in one community after 3 months interval to monitor the effect of Ivermectin chemotherapy in the treated communities using RAM and re-skin snipping of the subjects. Results obtained showed that there are significant reductions in the disease prevalencies when compared to the pre-drug onchocercal prevalencies (P.05). Results obtained are; microfilaria 158 (15.9%), leopard skin 278 (28.0%), nodules 508 (51.1%), Visual impairment 262 (26.4%) and blindness receded to 0 (0.0). Ivermectin was also found to be most efficient when taken at 6 month intervals when compared to 3 month dosing. Treatment with Ivermectin was also best when height instead of weight is used in dosing the subjects. A single case of adverse side reaction following treatment in the form of mazzoti and hanging groin was recorded.

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