Lymphatic filariasis due to infection with Wuchereria bancrofti Infections and Infestations
Conditions
Interventions
Study drugs and treatment regimens:
1. 200 mg doxycycline per day orally for six weeks plus a single dose of ivermectin (150 µg/kg) plus albendazole (400 mg), four months after the start of doxycycli
Sponsors
European Commission
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: For all participants: subjects of both sexes, aged 18-50 years, who have given informed consent (written or thumb print) were evaluated. Minimum criteria was body weight >40 kg. Participants were only included in case they met the following criteria: normal renal and hepatic laboratory profiles for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (0-40 IU/l), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (0-45 IU/l), creatinine 53-126 µmol/l) as measured by dipstick chemistry. For microfilaraemic participants: minimum criteria was microfilarial (Mf) counts >50 Mf/ml (finger pricks taken from night blood between 8 and 10 p.m., counted through a blood counting chamber, e.g. Sedgewick®. For patients with early or chronic signs of disease: microfilaraemic or amicrofilaraemic, clinical manifestation of hydrocele and/or lymphedema.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Pregnancy (pregnancy test) 2. Lactation 3. Intolerance to ivermectin or doxycycline 4. Chronic diseases 5. Alcohol or drug abuse 6. Anti-filarial therapy within the last two years
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Depletion of Wolbachia (gene copies per Mf by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR]) 2. Subsequent decline in microfilaraemia (according to Mf half-life) due to inferred sterility of adult worms 3. Macrofilaricidal effects, as assessed by ultrasonography and by reduction of circulating filarial antigen in serum 4. Decrease in size and grade of chronic pathology and frequency of acute inflammatory episodes | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Reduction in adverse reaction to ivermectin treatment | — |
Countries
Ghana
Outcome results
None listed