Ivermectin is highly effective against animal intestinal nematodes and is used in the treatment of
onchocerciasis in humans. A study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of the
drug with that of
albendazole in the treatment of uncomplicated
strongyloidiasis. Sixty patients with confirmed Strongyloides stercoralis
infection were enrolled in an open randomized study and given either
albendazole, 400 mg/d for 3 d or
ivermectin, 150-200 micrograms/kg in a single dose. Efficacy and tolerance were evaluated on days 7, 30 and 90. Each visit included a parasitological examination of 3 stool specimens, using saline and Kato smears and
formalin-
ether and Baermann concentrations. Fifty-three patients were eligible for evaluation. Parasitological cure was obtained in 24 of the 29 patients treated with
ivermectin (83%) and in 9 of the 24 patients who were given
albendazole (38%);
ivermectin was significantly more effective than
albendazole (P < 0.01). Clinical and
biological adverse reactions were negligible in both treatment groups. The 20 patients who failed
therapy were given a second treatment course with 150-200 micrograms/kg of
ivermectin in a single dose or on 2 consecutive days. Sixteen patients were cured and the other 4 had only incomplete follow-up.
Ivermectin therefore constitutes an acceptable therapeutic alternative for uncomplicated
strongyloidiasis.