Recent developments in the treatment of onchocerciasis.

The treatment of onchocerciasis using diethylcarbamazine and suramin sodium, which can kill different stages of the parasite, Onchocerca volvulus, remains unsatisfactory. Recent studies have more clearly defined the serious limitations of the existing forms of treatment. However, two new classes of compounds, the benzimidazoles and avermectins, offer exciting new leads in the search for a safe and effective treatment that could be used on a large scale.