A 45-year-old man from Cameroon is being considered for ivermectin mass drug administration for onchocerciasis. Before treatment, a blood film is reco...

Question

A 45-year-old man from Cameroon is being considered for ivermectin mass drug administration for onchocerciasis. Before treatment, a blood film is recommended. What is the reason for checking blood film before ivermectin treatment in individuals from Loa loa-co-endemic areas?

Accepted Answer

To quantify Loa loa microfilaraemia, as high levels (>30,000 mf/mL) carry a risk of fatal encephalopathy after ivermectin

Answer

To exclude concurrent P. falciparum malaria

Answer

To identify Mansonella perstans co-infection, which contraindicates ivermectin

Answer

To ensure eosinophil count is within normal range

Answer

To check haemoglobin before treatment

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): Loa loa and Ivermectin Risk

A 45-year-old man from Cameroon is being considered for ivermectin mass drug administration for onchocerciasis. Before treatment, a blood film is recommended. What is the reason for checking blood film before ivermectin treatment in individuals from Loa loa-co-endemic areas?