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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/68726
Screening for an ivermectin slow-release formulation suitable for malaria vector control
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BACKGROUND: The prospect of eliminating malaria is challenged by
emerging insecticide resistance and vectors with outdoor and/or
crepuscular activity. Ivermectin can simultaneously tackle these
issues by killing mosquitoes feeding on treated animals and
humans. A single oral dose, however, confers only short-lived
mosquitocidal plasma levels. METHODS: Three different
slow-release formulations of ivermectin were screened for their
capacity to sustain mosquito-killing levels of ivermectin for
months. Thirty rabbits received a dose of one, two or three
silicone implants containing different proportions of
ivermectin, deoxycholate and sucrose. Animals were checked for
toxicity and ivermectin was quantified periodically in blood.
Potential impact of corresponding long-lasting formulation was
mathematically modelled. RESULTS: All combinations of
formulation and dose released ivermectin for more than 12 weeks;
four combinations sustained plasma levels capable of killing 50%
of Anopheles gambiae feeding on a treated subject for up to 24
weeks. No major adverse effects attributable to the drug were
found. Modelling predicts a 98% reduction in infectious vector
density by using an ivermectin formulation with a 12-week
duration. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that relatively
stable mosquitocidal plasma levels of ivermectin can be safely
sustained in rabbits for up to six months using a silicone-based
subcutaneous formulation. Modifying the formulation of
ivermectin promises to be a suitable strategy for malaria vector
control.
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CHACCOUR, Carlos, et al. Screening for an ivermectin slow-release formulation suitable
for malaria vector control. Malaria Journal. 2015. Vol. 14, num. 102. ISSN 1475-2875. [consulted: 15 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/68726