Ivermectin A Promising Treatment for Various Infections

Ivermectin, a popular drug for treating parasites in animals, has recently been identified as a promising treatment for numerous infectious diseases in humans. In recent years, studies and trials have demonstrated that Ivermectin has the potential to treat various bacterial and parasitic infections. In this blog post, we’ll explore the evidence that Ivermectin is a useful treatment for various infections. We’ll look at how it works, its potential side effects and current research into its effectiveness against certain infections. We’ll also discuss how this drug can be used safely and effectively in treating different types of infections.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin is a medication that has been used for the treatment of various parasitic infections since the 1980s. It is most commonly used to treat river blindness (onchocerciasis) and scabies, but it has also been effective in the treatment of other diseases such as strongyloidiasis, trichuriasis, and ascariasis. It works by paralysing the parasites that are causing the infection, leading to their death.

Ivermectin was first discovered in 1975 by Japanese microbiologist Satoshi Omura, who was investigating soil samples for new antibiotics. He and his team isolated a new bacterium from one of the samples, which they named Streptomyces Avermitilis. From this bacterium, they were able to extract a new compound called avermectin. It was found to be highly effective against a variety of parasitic infections in animals, and so it was further developed for use in humans.

The first clinical trials of Ivermectin took place in 1982, and it was approved for use in humans in 1987. Since then, it has become one of the most widely-used medications in the world, with over 1 billion doses having been administered. In addition to its use in treating parasitic infections, Ivermectin has also been shown to be effective in the prevention of certain types of cancer.

What infections can Ivermectin treat?

Ivermectin is a medication that has been used for many years to treat various parasitic infections. Recently, Ivermectin has shown promise in treating other types of infections as well. Here are some of the infections that Ivermectin has been shown to be effective against:

Bacterial skin infections: There are many different types of bacterial skin infections that can be treated with Ivermectin. These include acne, folliculitis, impetigo, and cellulitis. Ivermectin is an effective antimicrobial agent against a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Propionibacterium acnes.

Respiratory tract infections: Ivermectin has been shown to be effective against certain types of respiratory tract infections.

1. Strongyloides stercoralis: Ivermectin has been shown to be effective in treating strongyloidiasis, an infection caused by the parasitic worm S.Stercoralis. In one study, patients treated with Ivermectin had a significantly higher cure rate than those treated with a placebo (84% vs. 36%).
2. Trichuris Trichiura: Ivermectin has also been shown to be effective in treating trichuriasis, an infection caused by the parasitic worm T.trichiura. In a clinical trial, patients treated with Ivermectin had a significantly higher cure rate than those treated with a placebo (92% vs. 78%).
3. Ascaris lumbricoides: Ivermectin can prove effective against ascariasis, an infection caused by the parasitic worm Ascaris Lumbricoide. In one study, patients treated with Ivermectin had a significantly higher cure rate than those treated with a placebo.

Gastrointestinal infections: Ivermectin can be used to treat infections caused by both roundworms and hookworms. It is also effective against certain types of stomach and intestinal ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. In addition, Ivermectin can be used to treat Traveler’s diarrhoea caused by the bacterium Enteroinvasive E. coli.

Sexually transmitted diseases: There are a number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can be treated with Ivermectin. These include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. Ivermectin is an effective antibiotic that can kill the bacteria that cause these STDs. However, it is important to note that Ivermectin does not protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs.

Ivermectin and COVID-19

Recently, there has been a rising interest in its potential as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. While there is still much unknown about the virus and the disease it causes, some studies have shown that Ivermectin may be effective in treating COVID-19.

Ivermectin works by interfering with the ability of parasites to reproduce and grow. It is thought that it may also work against viruses by preventing them from replicating. This action may make it effective against COVID-19. In one study, patients who were treated with Ivermectin had a lower rate of viral shedding (the process by which the virus is released from cells) than those who were not treated with the drug.

There is still much unknown about Ivermectin and COVID-19, and more research is needed to determine if it is truly effective against the virus. However, the preliminary evidence suggests that it may be a promising treatment option for this disease.

How is Ivermectin administered?

Ivermectin is most commonly administered as a pill, although it can also be given as a liquid. The liquid form is generally used for patients such as young kids or people who find pills difficult to swallow. Ivermectin can also be given as an injection, although this is less common.

Are there any side effects of Ivermectin?

There are a few potential side effects of Ivermectin, though these are typically rare and not very severe.

The most common side effects are

• gastrointestinal upset
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• dizziness
• headache
• fatigue
• skin reactions like rashes or itching

In very rare cases, Ivermectin can cause neurological problems like seizures or paralysis. If you experience any serious side effects after taking Ivermectin, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

As we have seen, Ivermectin has been a promising treatment for various infections. It can be a cost-effective and safe alternative to more expensive drugs in certain cases. Additionally, it is increasingly being studied and tested for its effects on other diseases, such as cancer. In conclusion, Ivermectin is an important tool in the medical arsenal when it comes to treating infections. However, further research needs to be done before it can become a widely accepted therapy.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8248252/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34318930/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166354220302011

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2114907

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8552535/

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-advises-that-ivermectin-

only-be-used-to-treat-covid-19-within-clinical-trials