Latest news with #ivermectin
Medscape
3 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Monthly Ivermectin Cuts Malaria Incidence in Endemic Area
TOPLINE: Monthly administration of ivermectin for 3 consecutive months at the beginning of the short rainy season was associated with a lower incidence of malaria than albendazole in an area with high coverage and use of bed nets, with no safety concerns identified during the trial. METHODOLOGY: Malaria remains a significant global health issue, and rising mosquito resistance to insecticides undermines control measures. As a result, ivermectin, a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic drug, has gained interest as a potential candidate to reduce malaria transmission. Researchers conducted a cluster-randomized trial in Kwale, Kenya, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mass ivermectin administration at the start of the short rainy season (October-December) for malaria transmission control. A total of 84 clusters comprising 28,932 participants — including all male and nonpregnant female residents weighing more than 15 kg and without severe illness — were identified. They were randomly allocated to receive either ivermectin (400 μg/kg body weight) or albendazole (400 mg) once monthly for 3 consecutive months. Efficacy was assessed in 2871 children aged 5-15 years. The primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of malaria in children. Safety was assessed in all participants, with children followed up prospectively for 6 months after the first round of mass drug administration. TAKEAWAY: The administration of ivermectin reduced malaria incidence by 26% compared with albendazole (2.20 vs 2.66 infections per child-year at risk; adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.74; P = .02). A secondary analysis showed that the time to the first infection was 22.5% longer with ivermectin than with albendazole (120 vs 93 days). The incidence of adverse events per 100 treated participants was higher with ivermectin (6.19) than albendazole (3.75). Serious adverse events were rare — 0.023 and 0.037 per 100 treated participants in the ivermectin and albendazole groups, respectively (IRR 0.63; P = .46). IN PRACTICE: 'This trial provides evidence to support the use of ivermectin as a complementary strategy for malaria control and prevention in areas where malaria is mesoendemic and transmission is perennial,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: The study was led by Carlos Chaccour, MD, PhD, ISGlobal in Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas in Madrid, and the Navarra Center for International Development, Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. It was published online on July 23, 2025, in The New England Journal of Medicine. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by the absence of data on the incidence of malaria before the intervention, potential underestimation of ivermectin's effect due to more frequent artemether-lumefantrine use in the albendazole group, and higher treatment coverage in albendazole clusters, probably because of a lower pill burden with albendazole than with weight-based ivermectin dosing. DISCLOSURES: The study was supported by the BOHEMIA grant from Unitaid. Additionally, ISGlobal received support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and the Generalitat de Catalunya. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Free Malaysia Today
31-07-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Health ministry drops case against doctor for dispensing ivermectin
Health ministry officials had seized the antiparasitic drug found in Dr Che Amir Farid Che Isahak's clinic, arguing that it was not a registered product. (Reuters pic) PETALING JAYA : The health ministry has withdrawn a criminal case against a doctor for possessing and dispensing ivermectin. Dr Che Amir Farid Che Isahak said the ministry's decision to drop the case yesterday followed a ruling made by the Federal Court four months ago on a related matter. In March, the apex court unanimously decided to uphold doctors' right to give patients ivermectin. Health ministry officials had raided Che Amir's clinic in Ampang in 2021 during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The raid followed reports that two patients, unconnected to Che Amir, had self-prescribed ivermectin and allegedly suffered acute poisoning and breathing difficulties. Officials seized the antiparasitic drug found in the clinic, arguing that it was not a registered product. They also claimed that the doctor was not legally permitted to sell or dispense the drug. Che Amir was subsequently charged in the magistrates' court with selling and dispensing the drug. When contacted, Che Amir said although the case resulted from the use of ivermectin for Covid-19 patients, the court's decision allows doctors who are proponents of the drug to use it for the prevention or treatment of any other types of diseases or conditions. 'And we can now safely prescribe and dispense ivermectin without fear of being raided anymore.' He also said more diseases had been found to be amenable to treatment with ivermectin, including cancer. However, he said while there had been many preclinical studies, no clinical study had been conducted. 'Ivermectin is emerging as a treatment for many types of cancer. 'For now there are only case reports and testimonies on the treatment of cancer with ivermectin. I hope that clinical trials will be conducted soon.'
Health Line
03-06-2025
- General
- Health Line
What Are Rope Worms? Are They Even Real?
'Rope worms' may simply be shed pieces of intestinal mucus. Mucus can be more common with certain health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Multiple types of intestinal parasites can infect human bodies, including tapeworms, pinworms, and hookworms. In recent years, the rope worm has been discussed as another potential intestinal inhabitant. While some people believe that so-called 'rope worms' are intestinal parasites, the more plausible theory is that these 'worms' are more likely strands of intestinal mucus. The parasite theory Belief in rope worms is only a recent development. In 2013, a non-peer-reviewed research paper published by Dr. Alex Volinsky and his colleagues claimed that the rope worm, otherwise known as funis vermes, is a parasite that spends its entire life inside the human body. Volinsky and his colleagues say that there are five stages of the rope worm life cycle. They claim that there are various methods of extraction for each developmental stage, including salt milk enemas, baking soda enemas, and eucalyptus/lemon juice enemas. They believe that if these rope worms aren't flushed from the body, they can release toxins that may have negative cognitive effects. The rope worm myth is often associated with proponents of the medication ivermectin, who believe without proof that it's an effective treatment for COVID-19. There's no scientific evidence for the existence of these 'rope worms.' The intestinal lining/mucus buildup theory The intestinal lining or mucus buildup theory claims that these long rope-like structures are simply shed pieces of intestinal mucus. Intestinal mucus is produced as a barrier to prevent harmful microorganisms from entering the bloodstream through the intestines. As with all cells in the body, these intestinal barrier cells routinely turn over and shed. While routine shedding is typical, excessive or altered shedding of intestinal mucus may be a sign of gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colon cancer. During enemas and colon hydrotherapy sessions, some people experience a flushing of what's believed to be a buildup of mucus. This buildup of mucus, which is sometimes referred to as mucoid plaque, actually closely resembles what others believe is the 'rope worm.' There is no definitive scientific proof that mucoid plaque buildup exists. However, there is even less scientific proof for the rope worm's existence as an intestinal parasite. Perhaps the most critical evidence against the parasite theory is the fact that when the DNA of the 'rope worm' specimen was tested, it consisted of 99% human DNA. Picture of 'rope worms' Taking care of your digestive system It's believed that eating a diet rich in processed foods may contribute to the presence of rope worms or the buildup of mucoid plaque. While there's no scientific proof to support this theory, there's merit behind the idea of maintaining a healthy gut. Gut health is just as important as heart health, lung health, and the health of any other organ in the body. Even if the literature doesn't prove the existence of rope worms or mucoid plaque, here are some ways you can take care of your digestive system: Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important for all body cells, including the mucus-producing cells of the intestines. Hydration can also help prevent constipation. Make sure you're keeping up on your water intake throughout the day. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are full of fiber, which can help keep the digestive tract functioning smoothly. These foods are also good sources of antioxidants, which help to support your gut health. Keep a consistent sleep schedule. It's no secret that a lack of sleep can have negative effects on the body, including our digestion. Keeping a healthy, consistent sleep schedule and sleeping 7 to 9 hours per night can help support a healthy microbiome. Practice relaxation techniques. Stress, anxiety, and other strong emotions can influence gut health and your digestion. For example, depression has been linked to symptom flare-ups in patients with IBS. Using relaxation techniques may help reduce the negative effects of stress on your digestion. Keep an eye on the symptoms of food intolerances. Food allergies and sensitivities can affect anyone, from children to older adults. If you have gastrointestinal symptoms when you eat certain foods, it may be worth a visit to a doctor just to check for food intolerances. Key takeaways 'Rope worms' are allegedly discovered during enemas and colonics. Little evidence supports the theory that these 'worms' are a newly discovered type of human parasite. The more likely explanation for the expulsion of these rope-like strands is the shedding of intestinal mucus. However, both theories lack the necessary scientific evidence to definitively say what these 'rope worms' really are.
Times
08-05-2025
- Health
- Times
‘You are not a horse': Alarm as antivaxers buy worm paste to cure cancer
When vaccine-sceptic Americans began ingesting an anti-worm paste designed for farm animals in an attempt to ward off Covid-19, regulators issued a sharp rebuke. 'You are not a horse. You are not a cow. Seriously, y'all. Stop it,' the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted on social media at the time. Four years later, the drug ivermectin is again being widely touted on social media, once more without hard evidence, as a cure for a different deadly disease: cancer. Google searches for 'ivermectin' rose to their highest level since the pandemic in January, days after the actor Mel Gibson joined The Joe Rogan Experience podcast to espouse the merits of the drug. The Oscar-winning actor and director claimed that a cocktail of ivermectin and other
