Efficacy of Higher Albendazole and Ivermectin Doses on Wuchereria Bancrofti Microfilarial Clearance in Malawi

The proposed study will enrol up to 120 volunteers with microfilaremic Wuchereria bancrofti infection who would be randomized to receive standard annual treatment (albendazole 400 mg + ivermectin 200 mcg/kg), annual treatment with an increased dose of albendazole (albendazole 800 mg + ivermectin 200400 mcg/kg) or semi-annual treatment with a standard (albendazole 400 mg + ivermectin 200 mcg/kg), or an increased albendazole dose (albendazole 800 mg + ivermectin 200 400 mcg/kg). Microfilarial levels, as well as measures of adult worm burden (circulating antigen) will be followed every six months for two years to determine whether the higher doses, or more frequent regimens are more effective. The data obtained would be used, in combination with the data from other similar studies being conducted in Mali and in India to advise the Global Programme for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) on improved methods of treatment both for mass treatment and for the management of problem areas within the global programme.