Fiji Integrated Therapy (FIT) - Triple Therapy for Lymphatic Filariasis, Scabies and Soil Transmitted Helminths in Fiji
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2019-10-24
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), scabies and soil transmitted helminths (STH) are common neglected
tropical diseases affecting the people of Fiji. There is a dedicated LF eradication program
supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), however scabies and STH are currently
managed on an individual level with symptomatic treatment as required.
In an attempt to reduce the prevalence of LF globally, research is being undertaken into
alternative, more effective treatment options. A recent study in Papua New Guinea
demonstrated a new triple drug therapy (ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole) is
superior to the currently recommended two drug therapy (diethylcarbamazine and albendazole)
used by WHO LF programs in the Pacific. However, adverse events were more frequent. Despite
no serious adverse events being observed, it is necessary to conduct further studies to
review the safety of this new triple therapy before it can be endorsed as an effective mass
drug administration (MDA) regimen for LF in endemic countries. Fiji's burden of LF, that has
been recalcitrant to previous MDA with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole, make it an ideal
site to obtain further efficacy and safety data of the triple therapy.
Ivermectin given to communities as MDA has been proven to be effective in reducing the
community prevalence of scabies. What is not known is the effects of one dose versus two
doses of ivermectin as MDA. This question will be reviewed within the design of the community
randomized study. The prevalence of impetigo in a community is linked to scabies and this
will also be reviewed. Ivermectin and albendazole are both effective individually against
STH. The effectiveness of this combination of treatment as MDA in Fiji for STH has not been
studied. The effectiveness for the individual in the short-term and the community in the
longer-term will be reviewed.
In addition, the acceptability and feasibility of the new therapy in communities at risk of
these three diseases will be reviewed.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Washington University School of Medicine
Collaborators:
Murdoch Children's Research Institute The Task Force for Global Health