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Veterinary research communications1982; 5(3); 251-262; doi: 10.1007/BF02214991

Efficacy of the avermectins against filarial parasites: a short review.

Abstract: The avermectins are macrocyclic lactones produced by Streptomyces avermitilis. One of them has been chemically modified and given the non-proprietary name ivermectin. The compounds have shown efficacy against various stages of filarial parasites. With respect to pre-adult stages in the mammalian host, activity has been observed against Dirofilaria immitis in ferrets and dogs, and Dipetalonema viteae and Litomosoides carinii in jirds (Meriones); but activity has not been observed against the developing stages of Brugia spp. in jirds or Onchocerca spp. in cattle. The compounds have not shown activity against adult filarial worms, except in the case of Setaria equina in horses and possibly Dipetalonema viteae in jirds. With respect to the first state larva (microfilaria) in the mammalian host, efficacy has been observed against Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, Brugia malayi in multimammate rats (Mastomys), Dipetalonema viteae and Litomosoides carinii in jirds and Onchocerca spp. in horses and cattle; but activity has not been observed against microfilariae of Brugia pahangi in jirds or cats. Efficacy against filarial parasites has been observed following oral or parenteral administration of drug, sometimes at extremely low dosage. For example, a single oral dosage of 0.05 mg/kg was highly active against the third and fourth larval stages and microfilariae of D. immitis in dogs.
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Publication Date: 1982-05-01 PubMed ID: 7051527DOI: 10.1007/BF02214991Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research reviews the effectiveness of avermectins, particularly ivermectin, against various stages of filarial parasites in different host animals. The study finds it effective against certain parasites and larval stages but not against certain developing stages or adult worms, except in few instances.

Overview of the Research

  • The paper is essentially a review of the effectuality of avermectins, a group of macrocyclic lactones produced by Streptomyces avermitilis, against filarial parasites. It particularly focuses on ivermectin, which is a chemically modified avermectin.
  • The study tests the effectiveness of these compounds against various stages of filarial parasites, including pre-adult stages, adult worms, and first stage larvae (microfilaria) in the mammalian host.

Observations on Pre-Adult Stages

  • Research shows that avermectins were particularly effective against Dirofilaria immitis in ferrets and dogs, and Dipetalonema viteae and Litomosoides carinii in jirds (small rodents).
  • However, the compounds did not seem to have activity against developing stages of parasites such as Brugia spp. in jirds and Onchocerca spp. in cattle.

Findings on Adult Worms

  • Avermectins did not show significant activity against adult filarial worms, with two exceptions. They were effective against Setaria equina in horses, and potentially against Dipetalonema viteae in jirds.

Results against Microfilaria

  • When it came to the first stage larvae, or microfilaria, they were effective against Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, Brugia malayi in multimammate rats (Mastomys), Dipetalonema viteae and Litomosoides carinii in jirds, and Onchocerca spp. in horses and cattle.
  • But these compounds lacked activity against microfilariae of Brugia pahangi in jirds or cats.

Method and Dosage Exploration

  • They have been found to be effective following oral or parenteral (i.e., non-oral) administration of the drug, sometimes even at a very low dosage. For example, a single oral dose of 0.05 mg/kg proved to be highly active against the third and fourth larval stages, and microfilariae of D. immitis in dogs.

Cite This Article

APA
Campbell WC. (1982). Efficacy of the avermectins against filarial parasites: a short review. Vet Res Commun, 5(3), 251-262. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02214991

Publication

Veterinary research communications
ISSN: 0165-7380
NlmUniqueID: 8100520
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 3
Pages: 251-262

Researcher Affiliations

Campbell, W C

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Anthelmintics / pharmacology
    • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
    • Brugia / drug effects
    • Brugia / growth & development
    • Cattle / parasitology
    • Cattle Diseases / drug therapy
    • Dirofilaria immitis / drug effects
    • Dirofilaria immitis / growth & development
    • Dirofilariasis / drug therapy
    • Dirofilariasis / veterinary
    • Dog Diseases / drug therapy
    • Dogs / parasitology
    • Ferrets / parasitology
    • Filariasis / drug therapy
    • Filariasis / veterinary
    • Filaricides / therapeutic use
    • Filarioidea / drug effects
    • Filarioidea / growth & development
    • Gerbillinae / parasitology
    • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
    • Horses / parasitology
    • Ivermectin
    • Lactones / pharmacology
    • Lactones / therapeutic use
    • Muridae / parasitology

    References

    This article includes 13 references
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    Citations

    This article has been cited 15 times.
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