IDA for Onchocerciasis

This study will provide preliminary data on the safety of IDA treatment in persons with onchocerciasis when it is administered after pre-treatment with IVM to clear or greatly reduce microfilariae from the skin and eyes. Widespread use of IDA following IVM pretreatment (I/IDA) has the potential to greatly accelerate elimination of LF in African countries that are coendemic for LF and onchocerciasis. This study will also assess the efficacy of IDA for killing and sterilizing adult filarial worms. An improved macrofilaricidal treatment would be a major advance for the global program to eliminate onchocerciasis. Since the safety and efficacy objectives are both very important, we have included dual primary objectives for the study.