AFRO-NETS> Research on treatment of Loa loa infection

[Dieter Neuvians MD <neuvians@mweb.co.za>]

Research on treatment of Loa loa infection
------------------------------------------
Call for applications

Source: tdr-scientists@who.int


The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases 
(TDR) invites research proposals to evaluate the safety and efficacy 
of albendazole for treatment of Loa loa infection.

Mass treatment of onchocerciasis or lymphatic filariasis with iver-
mectin is problematic in loiaisis endemic areas because of rare seri-
ous adverse events associated with very high Loa microfilaraemias. 
Treatment with albendazole may provide a strategy for reducing Loa 
microfilaria burdens below those associated with serious adverse 
events.

Objectives of the proposed study

To assess the potential (and define the optimal doses and regimens) 
of albendazole to achieve long-term reduction of Loa loa microfila-
raemia to levels compatible with safe administration of ivermectin.

Applications will be considered from teams who:

- Can design and conduct hospital-based studies that adhere to good 
clinical practice and ethical principles and who are experienced in 
management of patients with Loa loa infections.

- Can guarantee rapid recruitment of patients with levels of Loa loa 
microfilaraemia compatible with the objectives of the study and who 
are ideally located in areas that have a documented prevalence of Loa 
loa microfilaraemia of >20%.

- Have clinical and parasitology laboratory infrastructure compatible 
with the needs of the study, i.e. with quantification of Loa loa, On-
chocerca volvulus, Wuchereria bancrofti or Mansonella sp., and with 
determination of haematological parameters and blood biochemistry.

- Who can guarantee safe management of patients in case of serious 
adverse events, and who have neurological clinical back-up available 
during the studies.

- Who have experience and infrastructure for clinical data management 
and analysis.

How to apply

Research proposals, with a detailed protocol and necessary supporting 
documentation, should be submitted to:

Dr Janis K. Lazdins-Helds 
Onchocerciasis Research Coordinator
Product Research and Development
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)
World Health Organization 
20 Avenue Appia
CH-1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Tel: +41-22-791-3818
Fax: +41-22-791-4774
mailto:lazdinsj@who.int

Applications must be received by 31 May 2003.

Applications will be reviewed in June 2003 by a panel of TDR nomi-
nated researchers with experience in pharmacology, clinical research 
and filariases.

For further information, please contact 
Dr Janis K. Lazdins
mailto:lazdinsj@who.int

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