Sibiti

Researchers are investigating the safety and effectiveness of levamisole, given over 3 or 5 days, for treating people infected with Loa loa, a parasitic infection common in Central Africa. This study focuses on reducing the amount of Loa loa microfilariae in the blood, aiming to find a safer alternative treatment in areas where loiasis and onchocerciasis overlap. The study follows earlier findings that a single dose of levamisole is safe but not sufficient to lower microfilarial levels significantly. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either levamisole for 3 days followed by placebo for 2 days, levamisole for 5 days, or placebo for 5 days. The levamisole dose is 2.5 mg/kg each day. The study is designed to compare the safety profile and the ability of the different regimens to reduce microfilarial density over the treatment period. During the study, participants will be monitored for tolerance to multiple doses of levamisole over 5 days and for 2 weeks afterward. Safety and efficacy evaluations will include clinical examinations and laboratory tests to assess changes in microfilarial levels and detect any adverse reactions. The total participation period includes the treatment phase plus follow-up for safety and effectiveness assessment.