First case of ivermectin-induced severe hepatitis

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2006 Aug;100(8):795-7. doi: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.02.003. Epub 2006 May 8.

Abstract

Loiasis, caused by the filarial parasite Loa loa, is endemic in West and Central Africa. Ivermectin has been shown to be an effective treatment of loiasis. We report the case of a 20-year-old woman originally from Cameroon who was infected by the L. loa parasite and developed severe hepatitis, identified 1 month after a single dose of ivermectin. Liver biopsy showed intralobular inflammatory infiltrates, confluent necrosis and apoptosis, compatible with drug-induced liver disease. To our knowledge, this is the first case of ivermectin-induced severe liver disease published in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antiparasitic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cameroon
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ivermectin / adverse effects*
  • Loa / isolation & purification
  • Loiasis / drug therapy*
  • Microfilariae / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Ivermectin