Ivermectin used in percutaneous drug injection method for the treatment of liver hydatid disease in sheep.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone (avermectins) produced by the actinomycete Streptomyces avermitilis. In this experimental study, the effectiveness of intracystic injection of ivermectin was studied as a new approach of percutaneous treatment of cystic echinococcosis.

METHODS

Twelve naturally infected sheep were selected and divided into 2 subgroups: treatment group (n = 9) and control group (n = 3). In the treatment group, approximate volume of ivermectin solution needed to achieve an intracystic concentration of 10 microg/mL was injected into cysts, but in the control group, sterile distillated water was applied. No reaspiration was performed at all.

RESULTS

In the following period of 6 months, repeated sonography revealed a significant decrease in cyst sizes and progressive solidification of the cysts in the treatment group. In the control group, volumes of the cysts were increased. No major complications occurred during or after the procedure. After 6 months, all sheep were killed and examined for macroscopic and microscopic changes. Pathologic examination in the treatment group showed pericyst hyalinization, inflammatory cells in the cyst wall, degeneration of laminated and germinal membrane, and necrotic material in the cyst cavity. No viable protoscolices or daughter cysts were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous treatment of cystic echinococcosis with ivermectin as a scolicidal agent seems to be effective in this animal model.