Guderian R H, Lovato R, Anselmi M, Mancero T, Cooper P J
National Onchocerciasis Control Programme, Hospital Vozandes, Quito, Ecuador.
Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1997 May-Jun;91(3):315-7. doi: 10.1016/s0035-9203(97)90089-4.
A retrospective study was performed comparing the number of spontaneous abortions in a hyperendemic area for onchocerciasis in Ecuador before and after invermectin treatment with that of a comparable non-endemic area. The frequency of spontaneous abortions was associated with a change in the community microfilarial load, suggesting that there may be a relationship between spontaneous abortions and infection with Onchocerca volvulus. In the endemic area, a significantly greater rate of spontaneous abortions was seen in the period before ivermectin distribution compared to that after the start of ivermectin treatments every 6 months. In the non-endemic area, no change in the rate of spontaneous abortions was seen over the same time period. In addition to the well-documented improvements in skin and ocular disease, ivermectin may also improve the reproductive health of endemic populations.
