Ivermectin to reduce malaria transmission: a research agenda for a promising new tool for elimination

Malaria Journal

Case Study

Brian D Foy¹  Quique Bassat²  Pedro Alonso²  Chris Drakeley³  Teun Bousema⁴  Kevin C Kobylinski⁵  Carlos J Chaccour⁶ 

[1] Arthropod-borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1692 Campus Delivery, 80523-1692, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA;Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, (CRESIB, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain;Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique;Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK;Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK;Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands;Entomology Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA;Internal Medicine Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Av. Pio XII 36, 31008, Pamplona, Spain;Instituto de Salud Tropical, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain;

关键词: Malaria elimination;    Ivermectin;    Endectocides;    Vector control;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1475-2875-12-153

 received in 2013-03-01, accepted in 2013-05-01,  发布年份 2013

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe heterogeneity of malaria transmission makes widespread elimination a difficult goal to achieve. Most of the current vector control measures insufficiently target outdoor transmission. Also, insecticide resistance threatens to diminish the efficacy of the most prevalent measures, indoor residual spray and insecticide treated nets. Innovative approaches are needed. The use of endectocides, such as ivermectin, could be an important new addition to the toolbox of anti-malarial measures. Ivermectin effectively targets outdoor transmission, has a novel mechanism of action that could circumvent resistance and might be distributed over the channels already in place for the control of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.MethodsThe previous works involving ivermectin and Anopheles vectors are reviewed and summarized. A review of ivermectin’s safety profile is also provided. Finally three definitive clinical trials are described in detail and proposed as the evidence needed for implementation. Several smaller and specific supportive studies are also proposed.ConclusionsThe use of ivermectin solves many challenges identified for future vector control strategies. It is an effective and safe endectocide that was approved for human use more than 25 years ago. Recent studies suggest it might become an effective and complementary strategy in malaria elimination and eradication efforts; however, intensive research will be needed to make this a reality.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Chaccour et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2013