Evaluation of the Impact of Oral Ivermectin on Musca Sorbens Flies, Putative Vector of Trachoma
This study is investigating a medicine called ivermectin. It's known that a medicine called ivermectin can kill certain insects. Researchers want to see if this medicine, when taken by people, can stop flies called 'bazaar flies' (Musca sorbens) from developing in human poo. These flies are thought to spread an eye infection called trachoma, especially to children, by landing on their faces and carrying the infection. Volunteers will take a safe dose of ivermectin, and their poo will be checked afterwards to see if the medicine in it is strong enough to stop the flies from growing. The study will also measure how much ivermectin is in tears and poo for up to 30 days.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research is looking into an eye infection called trachoma, which is common in some parts of the world. It's caused by a type of germ called Chlamydia trachomatis. People can catch trachoma by touching someone who has it, or by using contaminated clothes. We also know that a type of fly, often called the 'bazaar fly', might play a part in spreading this infection.
These flies are attracted to people’s faces, especially children's, and the germs causing trachoma can be found on their bodies or in their droppings. The study wants to explore a new way to stop these flies from spreading the infection. They are testing a medicine called ivermectin.
Volunteers will take a single, safe dose of ivermectin. The researchers will then collect samples of their poo over several days. They want to check if the ivermectin that leaves the body in the poo is strong enough to stop the bazaar flies from growing in it. They will also measure how much ivermectin is found in tears and poo for up to 30 days after someone takes the medicine. The aim is to see if treating people with ivermectin could help control the spread of trachoma by reducing the number of flies.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates if a medicine called ivermectin can stop flies from spreading an eye infection.
- Bazaar flies are being studied because they might carry the germs that cause trachoma.
- Healthy adult volunteers will take a single dose of ivermectin.
- Researchers will collect poo and tear samples for up to 30 days.
- The goal is to see if ivermectin in poo can kill flies.
- Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be a healthy adult aged between 18 and 65 years old. You should be able to provide poo samples regularly when asked, and be happy to follow all the study instructions. It's important that you fully understand what the study involves and agree to take part.
There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant. You also can't participate if you're allergic to ivermectin, have certain brain conditions, have recently had seizures, or have ever travelled to an area where a specific tropical worm infection (called Loa loa) is common. If you are taking certain blood-thinning medicines like acenocoumarol or warfarin, or another medicine called levamisole, you also won't be able to join this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you consider yourself generally healthy?
- Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant?
- Are you not allergic to ivermectin?
- Are you able to provide poo samples most days for up to 30 days?
- Are you not taking specific blood-thinning or other listed medicines?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have an appointment where the study will be explained in detail, and you'll give your consent. You'll then be given a single, safe dose of the medicine called ivermectin. For up to 30 days after taking the medicine, you will need to provide poo samples on most days. The researchers will also collect tear samples during this time. The total duration of your involvement will be up to 30 days, during which you'll have appointments to provide samples and have simple checks to make sure you're well. The specific number of visits and exact timing will be explained fully by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is trachoma?
Trachoma is an eye infection that can cause redness, itching, and pain. If left untreated, it can lead to vision problems and blindness.
What are 'bazaar flies' and why are they important?
Bazaar flies are a common type of fly that often land on people's faces, especially children's. They are thought to pick up and spread the germs that cause trachoma.
What is ivermectin?
Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat certain parasitic infections in humans and animals. It's being studied here for its effect on flies.
Will I get any specific health benefits from taking part?
It's unlikely you will experience a direct personal health benefit, as the study is focused on how the medicine affects flies, but your participation helps us learn more about preventing disease.
What happens to my poo and tear samples?
Your samples will be carefully tested in a lab to measure the amount of ivermectin in them and to see if flies can develop in the poo containing the medicine.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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