Single-Dose Ivermectin for Strongyloidiasis Works as Well as Multidose Treatment

Because the optimal dose of ivermectin for treating strongyloidiasis is uncertain, investigators undertook a multicenter, open-label, phase 3 trial to assess whether treatment with multiple doses of ivermectin was superior to a single dose. At nine European sites, they enrolled nonimmunocompromised patients >5 years of age who had strongyloidiasis diagnosed by positive fecal tests and positive serology or high-titer serology alone. The study included 309 patients randomized (1:1) to receive a single dose of ivermectin (200 μg/kg) or the same dose given on days 1,2,15, and 16. Most participants had acquired infection in Latin America or Africa, and all were currently living in areas nonendemic for Strongyloides stercoralis.

At 12 months in th…