Biomedica
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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. ⋯ 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.