THE EFFECT OF IVERMECTIN TREATMENT ON THE ANTIBODY-RESPONSE TO ANTIGENS OF ONCHOCERCA-VOLVULUS

The effect of the microfilaricidal drug ivermectin on the antibody res ponse to a detergent extract of adult Onchocerca volvulus (OvAg) and a number of specific recombinant peptides was examined. Three of the pe ptides were combined in a serodiagnostic 'cocktail' and the effect of ivermectin on the diagnostic performance of this assay was assessed. I mmunoglobulin (Ig) G(1) serum levels in response to OvAg significantly decreased following ivermectin treatment. The antibody response to on ly one recombinant peptide (OvMBP29) was significantly affected, with IgG levels decreasing following treatment. Levels of total IgE increas ed following treatment. No correlation was observed between initial an tibody level (or change in antibody level) and any adverse reaction to treatment. The serodiagnostic 'cocktail' was 100% sensitive before an d after the use of ivermectin. A serodiagnostic assay using specific r ecombinant peptides can be used to evaluate infection in the absence o f dermal microfilariae in areas where ivermectin is used.