Ivermectin treatment in humans to reduce malaria transmission

de Souza DK, Thomas R, Bradley J, Leyrat C, Boakye DA, Okebe J. Ivermectin treatment in humans to reduce malaria transmission. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2021, No. 6. Art. No.: CD013117. doi: 10.1002 /14651858.CD013117.pub2. Accessed July 4, 2021.

Malaria.

transmitted by the bite of an adult female hamadryas infected with the tropical fever malaria parasite, and the anthelmintic ivermectin is a response to the mosquito. This study was being conducted to evaluate the effect of co-administration of ivermectin on malaria infection.

Including cluster randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) in which single or multiple doses of ivermectin were given and compared to control treatment or placebo given to populations living in malaria-endemic areas, the analysis examined the prevalence of malaria parasite infection and the incidence of clinical malaria in the community.

Six ongoing trials were identified for analysis, including one cRCT.

Results.

An 18-week study showed no effect of ivermectin on the cumulative incidence of uncomplicated malaria in a cohort of children (risk ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 1.17; P = 0.2607; very low - evidence of certainty).

In conclusion, based on published studies, it is not known whether community administration of ivermectin has an effect on malaria transmission.