Efficacy of High-Dose Albendazole with Ivermectin for Treating Imported Loiasis, Italy

Abstract

We describe the outcomes of 16 cases of imported loiasis in Italy. Patients had microfilaremia <20,000/mL and were treated with high-dose albendazole for 28 days and a single dose of ivermectin. This combination might be an effective treatment option in nonendemic areas, when diethylcarbamazine, the drug of choice, is not available.

Keywords

• albendazole
• DEC
• diethylcarbamazine
• efficacy
• Italy
• ivermectin