Satellite mapping of Loa loa prevalence in relation to ivermectin use in west and central Africa

Lancet. 2000 Sep 23;356(9235):1077-8. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)02733-1.

Abstract

For many years, ivermectin has been widely distributed throughout west Africa for the safe and effective control of onchocerclasis. However, recent events in Loa-loa-endemic areas of Cameroon, where severe adverse reactions have occurred, now constrain the public-health use of this drug in the forest habitat of the L. loa vector. We have created a model of L. loa prevalence to identify areas where high endemicity may be associated with the occurrence of such reactions. The model results have been mapped and the areas of overlap between high L. loa prevalence and planned ivermectin distribution for onchocerciasis control identified.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Animals
  • Antinematodal Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antinematodal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Female
  • Geography
  • Humans
  • Ivermectin / adverse effects*
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use
  • Loa / drug effects
  • Loiasis / drug therapy*
  • Loiasis / epidemiology
  • Loiasis / parasitology
  • Onchocerca volvulus / drug effects
  • Onchocerciasis / drug therapy
  • Onchocerciasis / epidemiology
  • Onchocerciasis / parasitology
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Antinematodal Agents
  • Ivermectin