PA-307 Effect of albendazole 400 and 800 mg on hypermicrofilaremic loiasis and eosinophilia: preliminary results of a phase IIb, randomized, single-blind clinical trial in Northern Gabon

• Published in: BMJ global health Vol. 8; no. Suppl 10; pp. A62 - A63
• Main Authors: Patrick M’Bondoukwé, Noé, Akomezogho, Luccheri Ndong, Ndong Ngomo, Jacques Mari, Ditombi Moutombi, Bridy Chesly, Sibi Matotou, Roger Haldry, Ada Mengone, Meredith Flore, Mawili Mboumba, Denise Patricia, Bouyou-Akotet, Marielle Karine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 17-12-2023; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Abstracts of Poster and e-Poster Presentations; Antiparasitic agents; Clinical outcomes; Clinical trials; Epidemics; Parasitic diseases; Gabon
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-EDC.154
• EISSN: 2059-7908

BackgroundAlbendazole (ALB) is used safely for the reduction of Loa (L.) loa microfilaremia. However, there is no official recommendation. ALB could be used routinely in onchocerciasis outbreaks in case of coendemicity with loiasis, in order to make hypermicrofilaremia carriers eligible for mass treatment with ivermectin. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of two ALB treatment regimens in the management of hypermicrofilaremic loiasis.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Woleu-Ntem region of northern Gabon. Clinical, haematological and parasitological data were collected. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 2 groups of hypermicrofilaremia (≥8000 mf/mL) treated with 400 mg and 800 mg for 30 days and a control group consisting of patients with low microfilaremia (<8000 mf/mL) treated with ALB 400 mg for 30 days. Microfilaremia and adverse events were investigated and monitored weekly until day 30.ResultsIn total, 72 patients were included and followed for 30 days on daily ALB administration. The control group had 38 patients. In the two experimental groups, 16 received ALB 400 mg and 18, ALB 800 mg. L. loa microfilaremia and eosinophilia were measured at day (D) 0, 2, 7, 14, and D30. Clinical data were monitored daily before each ALB dose administration. Microfilaremia decreased at D30 in 82.3% of hypermicrofilaremic subjects to below 8000 mf/mL. No serious adverse events were recorded; 30.0% had clinical manifestations after ALB, and for 20.0%, the main adverse event recorded was pruritus. No difference between the two groups of hypermicrofilaremic patients was observed in the reduction of microfilaremia and the occurrence of clinical manifestations. Eosinophilia decreased in all groups with no difference between two experimental groups.ConclusionALB 400 mg/800 mg for 30 days, decreased significantly reduces microfilaremia/eosinophilia/symptoms and can be used for eligibility of microfilariae carriers for mass treatment with ivermectin.