Efficacy of ivermectin in the treatment of children parasitized by Strongyloides stercoralis

In a small village of Amazonian Colombia, the efficacy of ivermectin (200 microg/kg/day) was determined in a two-day treatment of children with uncomplicated strongyloidiasis. Criteria for inclusion in the study were as follows: absence of acute disease, no pretreatment with antiparasitic drugs within the last month, absence of severe liver or neurological disorders, and at least 2 of 4 stool samples positive for Strongyloides stercoralis. The Baermann technique was used to detect larvae; it had the advantage of reducing the frequency of false negative results in the subsequent examinations. Of 60 potential subjects, 49 fulfilled the above criteria. The cure rate for the S. stercoralis infection was 94% (46/49), with slight and temporary side effects. The effects of ivermectin on other intestinal parasites were characterized as well. In conclusion, a 200 microg/kg/d ivermectin dose was an adequate therapeutic regimen in the treatment of uncomplicated strongyloidiasis in children.