Safety Study of Combined Azithromycin, Ivermectin and Albendazole for Trachoma and Lymphatic Filariasis

AZIVAL 2: A Double-blind Cluster-randomized Placebo-controlled Study on the Safety of Integrated Treatment of Trachoma and Lymphatic Filariasis in Children and Adults With Azithromycin, Ivermectin and Albendazole

Trachoma and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are two 'Neglected Tropical Diseases' (NTDs), infectious diseases that affect millions of poor people in countries in the developing world. Trachoma is an eye infection that can lead to painful scarring of the eyelids and blindness later in life. LF can lead to swelling of usually the limbs (elephantiasis).

Trachoma and LF are preventable and treatable diseases. One important treatment strategy is annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA): Communities receive drug treatment once a year. Azithromycin is given for trachoma. Ivermectin and albendazole are given for LF.

Trachoma MDA and LF MDA are currently separated campaigns. Combined MDA campaigns for trachoma and LF, where three drugs would be given at one time, would reduce costs and decrease the burden on the health system.

Before combined MDA with three drugs (azithromycin, ivermectin and albendazole) could be recommended, we would have to demonstrate that the safety profile of this treatment with three drugs is acceptable. An earlier study in Mali in 2010 (AZIVAL) comparing standard MDA (one week space between the two MDA campaigns) with combined MDA (trachoma and LF MDA on the same day) showed that the safety profiles were comparable; but the results of the study were not statistically significant and we could not use them to make an official recommendation.

The AZIVAL 2 study has been designed to answer the questions that remain after the AZIVAL study performed in Mali in 2010. If the safety results of the AZIVAL 2 study are acceptable, an official recommendation for combined MDA with azithromycin, ivermectin and albendazole can be drafted.

We will conduct the AZIVAL 2 study in Mozambique. The target population (inclusion and exclusion criteria) is the same as in the AZIVAL study in Mali. Main criteria are: Age ≥ 5 years and ≤ 65 years, height ≥ 90 cm, if female, not pregnant or breast-feeding.

Important differences between the AZIVAL study and the AZIVAL 2 study are a) smaller clusters for sufficient power (average household size is 5 people), b) placebo to double-blind participants and study staff for azithromycin, c) the study area will have undergone fewer previous rounds of MDA for LF and none for trachoma, and d) smartphones for data entry.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 5 years and ≤ 65 years.
• Height ≥ 90 cm
• Able to understand the information and consent and assent forms, willing to give consent and assent, and abide by the study restrictions (parent or guardian consent if study participant age is < 18 years, participant to assent form if age < 18 years and ≥ 7 years)
• Residence in the study site for at least three months prior to enrolment
• Willing to remain in the study site for the duration of the study
• Willing and able to provide necessary samples to permit evaluation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to swallow tablets
• History of hypersensitivity/allergy to azithromycin, ivermectin, and/or albendazole
• Treatment with another investigational agent/intervention within 4 weeks prior to study entry
• Pregnancy (demonstrated by positive urine pregnancy test, performed by study staff, or evidently pregnant). All women of child bearing age (≥ 12 years and ≤ 49 years in Nampula province, personal communication, Arlinda Martins) will undergo a urine pregnancy test (unless they are evidently pregnant) to exclude pregnancy.
• Breast-feeding mother.
• Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, might interfere with the outcome of the study and/or adherence to the follow up schedule, such as clinically significant illness.