Avermectin

Avermectin therapy for rodent fur mite infestation

A commonly used therapy in recent times has been based on oral or parenteral administration of avermectins, which are macrocyclic lactones produced by fermentation of the soil micro-organism Streptomyces avermitilis. They show activity against a broad range of nematodes and arthropod parasites of domestic animals at dose rates of 300 microgram/kg or less. Unlike the macrolide or polyene antibiotics, they lack significant antibacterial or antifungal activity (Hotson, 1982).

Other Uses

Avermectin B1 is the active ingredient in some commercial ant bait traps.

References

• Hotson IK, 1982, The avermectins: A new family of antiparasitic agents, J S Afr Vet Assoc., Jun;53(2):87-90.
• Clark JM, 1995, with Scott JG, Campos F, Bloomquist JR, Resistance to avermectins: extent, mechanisms, and management implications, Annu Rev Entomol, 40:1-30.
• Toth LA, 2000, with Oberbeck C, Straign CM, Frazier S, Rehg JE, Toxicity evaluation of prophylactic treatments for mites and pinworms in mice, Contemp Top Lab Anim Sci., Mar;39(2):18-21.
• Viktorov AV, 2003, with Yurkiv VA, Effect of ivermectin on function of liver macrophages, Bull Exp Biol Med., Dec;136(6):569-71.