Control of Rhipicephalus annulatus resistant to deltamethrin by spraying infested cattle with synergistic eucalyptus essential oil-thymol-deltamethrin combination.

The current study investigated the synergistic effect of combinations containing deltamethrin (D), Eucalyptus essential oil (E), and the thyme essential oil component thymol (T), against a field population of Rhipicephalus annulatus in Egypt that was characterized to be resistant to D. Solutions of T, E, or TE at concentrations of 1.25-5% were combined with 5% deltamethrin at different dilutions (0.25-2 mL/L). Results of the adult immersion test used to estimate the in vitro acaricidal activity of these combinations at 5% yielded LC50 values for D, E-D, T-D, and TE-D of 3.87 mL/L, 3.89 mL/L, 0.14 mL/L, and 0.05 mL/L, respectively. Biochemical analyses using whole-body homogenate of ticks from the in vitro tests revealed that the lowest acetylcholinesterase and glutathione peroxidase activity, and the maximum lipid peroxidation were recorded in ticks treated with 5% TE-D. Glutathione content significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in all treated ticks. Three groups, each containing five cross breed cattle naturally infested with R. annulatus from the same area where resistance to D was detected, were sprayed twice at two-week intervals using 1 mL/L of 5% solutions of D, T-D, or TE-D. Overall efficacy of the D, T-D, and TE-D sprays by day 30 post-treatment was 21.6, 88.3, and 95 %, respectively. Ticks collected from infested cattle three days after treatment with the D spray deposited egg masses that were able to hatch, deposited small masses of eggs unable to hatch when exposed to the T-D spray, and laid few eggs that didn't hatch when sprayed with the TE-D combination. Values for liver and kidney function parameters were comparable in cattle before and after treatment with the combination sprays tested. The TE-D spray overcame the insensitivity to D of this R. annulatus population in Egypt, which also highlighted the significant synergistic effect of thymol on the acaricidal activity of deltamethrin observed in vitro. Acaricidal activity of the TE-D combination apparently has deleterious effects on multiple tick systems involving inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, increased lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. These findings document that combinations of natural and synthetic products can be part of integrated management solutions to the problem with widespread resistance to pyrethroids like deltamethrin in populations of cattle ticks, including R. annulatus, around the world.

Seasonal Effects and the Impact of In-Hive Pesticide Treatments on Parasite, Pathogens, and Health of Honey Bees.

Honey bee, Apis mellifera (L.; Hymenoptera: Apidae), populations are in decline and their losses pose a serious threat for crop pollination and food production. The specific causes of these losses are believed to be multifactorial. Pesticides, parasites and pathogens, and nutritional deficiencies have been implicated in the losses due to their ability to exert energetic stress on bees. While our understanding of the role of these factors in honey bee colony losses has improved, there is still a lack of knowledge of how they impact the immune system of the honey bee. In this study, honey bee colonies were exposed to Fumagilin-B, Apistan (tau-fluvalinate), and chlorothalonil at field realistic levels. No significant effects of the antibiotic and two pesticides were observed on the levels of varroa mite, Nosema ceranae (Fries; Microsporidia: Nosematidae), black queen cell virus, deformed wing virus, or immunity as measured by phenoloxidase and glucose oxidase activity. Any effects on the parasites, pathogens, and immunity we observed appear to be due mainly to seasonal changes within the honey bee colonies. The results suggest that Fumagilin-B, Apistan, and chlorothalonil do not significantly impact the health of honey bee colonies, based on the factors analyzed and the concentration of chemicals tested.

The efficacy of Australian essential oils for the treatment of head lice infestation in children: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The increase in resistance of head lice to neurotoxic pediculicides and public concern over their safety has led to an increase in alternative treatments, many of which are poorly researched or even untested. METHODS: A multicentre, randomised, assessor-blind, parallel-group trial (Trial 1) was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of a head lice treatment containing Australian eucalyptus oil and Leptospermum petersonii (EO/LP solution; applied thrice with 7-day intervals between applications) with a neurotoxic treatment containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (P/PB mousse; applied twice with a 7-day interval) in children. A single-blind, open trial (Trial 2) was conducted to assess the efficacy of EO/LP solution following a single application. In addition, skin irritancy and sensitisation tests using EO/LP solution were performed in adults and children. In vitro tests were performed to further assess the ovicidal and pediculicidal efficacy of EO/LP solution. RESULTS: EO/LP solution was found to be more than twice as effective in curing head lice infestation as P/PB mousse in per-protocol participants (Trial 1; 83% vs 36%, P < 0.0001), and was also found to be 100% pediculicidal following a single application (Trial 2). Adverse events were limited to transient itching, burning or stinging. Further skin testing with the EO/LP solution reported no irritation or sensitisation in adults, or irritation in children. In vitro exposure of lice and eggs to the EO/LP solution resulted in 100% mortality. CONCLUSION: The efficacy, safety and relative ease of use of the EO/LP solution make it a viable alternative in treating head lice.

The efficacy and safety of alphacypermethrin as a pour-on treatment for water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) infested with Haematopinus tuberculatus (Phthiraptera: Haematopinidae).

The sucking louse Haematopinus tuberculatus (Burmeister 1839) is an ectoparasite of buffaloes, cattle, camels, and American bison. Alphacypermethrin (ACYP) is a pyrethroid insecticide commonly used to control arthropods of veterinary and public health interest. Therapeutics, such as antiparasitic compounds, is often administered to buffaloes based on dosage and intervals recommended for cattle because very few drugs have buffalo-specific label indications. A trial was conducted on 20 louse-infested buffaloes at a farm to assess the efficacy and safety of ACYP pour-on, at the manufacturer's recommended dose for cattle, on buffaloes naturally infested by H. tuberculatus. Ten animals were assigned to ACYP-treated group (ACYP-group) and ten to untreated control group (C-group). On day 0, all ACYP-group buffaloes received alphacypermethrin pour-on. Louse counts were performed on days -1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 at eight predilection sites on the skin of each buffalo. ACYP was completely effective (100%) at day 7, highly effective (99.8%) at day 14, and completely effective (100%) from day 21 until the end of the study (day 56 post-treatment). During the trial, ACYP was well tolerated by all animals as there were no observed clinically adverse reactions. The results of this trial suggest that ACYP is an effective, safe, and user-friendly compound suitable for treatment of buffaloes with natural louse infestations.

Pediculosis hasta 2008 / Pediculosis until 2008

La pediculosis es una patología cuya prevalencia está en aumento en todo el mundo. En parte, esto se debe a las dificultades que presentan los tratamientos disponibles. Los pediculicidas químicos usados actualmente son piretrinas (permetrina 1% es la más usada), malatión 0,5%, lindano 1% (cuestionado debido a su neurotoxicidad e impacto ambiental) e ivermectina (sin aprobación de la Food and Drug Administration). Si bien existe una creciente evidencia sobre el desarrollo de resistencia a estos pediculicidas, es importante considerar la correcta realización de los tratamientos o la presencia de una reinfección antes que el desarrollo de resistencia propiamente dicho, razón por la cual es recomendable que el problema sea abordado en forma conjunta por el equipo de salud, la escuela y la familia. Actualmente se investigan nuevas opciones terapéuticas más seguras y eficaces como, por ejemplo, métodos físicos, aceites esenciales y derivados vegetales, nuevos insecticidas o la incorporación formal de opciones como la ivermectina, para lo cual aún se requiere más investigación que aporte evidencia de mejor calidad metodológica.

Head lice is a condition whose prevalence is increasing worldwide, probably because of the difficulties that available treatments present. Chemicals pediculicides currently in use are pyrethrins (1% permethrin is the most widely used), 0.5% malathion, 1% lindane (questioned because of its neurotoxic effects and their environmental impact) and ivermectin (not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration). While there is increasing evidence of growing development of resistance to these pediculicides, it is important to consider the proper conduct of the treatments or the presence of reinfection before considering the real development of resistance, for these reasons a global assessment that includes the health equipe, the school and the family is desirable. New therapeutic options, both safe and effective, are being investigated. They include physical methods, products derived from essential oils and herbal products, new insecticides and ivermectin, which requires further research to provide evidence of better quality.

WITHDRAWN: Interventions for treating headlice.

BACKGROUND: Infection with head lice is a widespread condition in developed and developing countries. Infection occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. If left untreated the condition can become intensely irritating and skin infections may occur if the bites are scratched. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to assess the effects of interventions for head lice. SEARCH STRATEGY: Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group specialized trials register (July 2002); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2002); MEDLINE and TOXLINE (1966 to July 2002); EMBASE (1980 to May 2002); LILACS (July 2002); Science Citation Index (1981 to July 2002); BIOSIS (1985 to July 2002); reference lists of relevant articles; pharmaceutical companies producing pediculicides (published and unpublished trials); UK and US Regulatory Authorities. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials (published and unpublished) or trials using alternate allocation were sought which compared pediculicides with the same and different formulations of other pediculicides, and pediculicides with physical methods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Of the 71 identified studies, only four met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. One reviewer extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: We found no evidence that any one pediculicide has greater effect than another. The two studies comparing malathion and permethrin with their respective vehicles showed a higher cure rate for the active ingredient than the vehicle. Another study comparing synergised pyrethrins with permethrin showed their effects to be equivalent. A comparative trial of malathion lotion vs combing, showed combing to be ineffective for the cureative treatment of head lice infection. Adverse effects were reported in a number of trials and were all minor, although reporting quality varied between trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Permethrin, synergised pyrethrin and malathion were effective in the treatment of head lice. However, the emergence of drug resistance since these trials were conducted means there is no direct contemporary evidence of the comparative effectiveness of these products. The 'best' choice will now depend on local resistance patterns. Physical treatment methods(BugBusting) were shown ot be ineffective to treat head lice. No evidence exists regarding other chemical control methods such as the use of herbal treatments, when used in the curative treatment of head lice. Future trials should take into account the methodological recommendations that arise from this review.

Head lice.

BACKGROUND: Head lice infestation is a very common problem in children and causes a high level of anxiety among parents and childcare workers. OBJECTIVE: In this article we attempt to clarify issues of diagnosis and treatment of head lice and offer recommendations for dealing with head lice. DISCUSSION: Head lice are a nuisance, but they do not transmit infectious diseases. Control includes detection with wet comb technique. Treatment is usually with a topical pediculicide, but regular mechanical removal with conditioner and a comb is an alternative. Treatment failure can be the result of inadequate application of the treating product, pediculicide resistance, or failure to re-treat at 7-10 days. Reinfestation (and therefore apparent treatment failure) is common.

Review of common therapeutic options in the United States for the treatment of pediculosis capitis.

Numerous therapies are available in both over-the-counter and prescription formulations for the treatment of head lice infestation. We summarize treatment recommendations from published literature and from a recent meta-analysis from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews that describe the efficacy, safety, and resistance patterns of monotherapies available in the United States. If treatment with pyrethrin or permethrin fails to eradicate the infestation, the treatment of choice is malathion. However, because of malathion's flammability, it should be a second-line therapy. Orally administered ivermectin has been reported to be efficacious, but it is not currently a US Food and Drug Administration-approved pediculicide. Alternative therapies are also discussed, in addition to indications for prophylaxis, resistance reporting, and the social impact of infestation.

Interventions for treating headlice.

BACKGROUND: Infection with head lice is a widespread condition in developed and developing countries. Infection occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. If left untreated the condition can become intensely irritating and skin infections may occur if the bites are scratched. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to assess the effects of interventions for head lice. SEARCH STRATEGY: Trials register of The Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group; Medline; Embase; Science Citation Index; Biosis and Toxline; reference lists of relevant articles; pharmaceutical companies producing pediculicides (published and unpublished trials); UK and US Regulatory Authorities. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials (published and unpublished) or trials using alternate allocation were sought which compared pediculicides with the same and different formulations of other pediculicides, and pediculicides with physical methods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Of the 71 identified studies, only four met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. One reviewer extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: We found no evidence that any one pediculicide has greater effect than another. The two studies comparing malathion and permethrin with their respective vehicles showed a higher cure rate for the active ingredient than the vehicle. Another study comparing synergised pyrethrins with permethrin showed their effects to be equivalent. A comparative trial of malathion lotion vs combing, showed combing to be ineffective for the cureative treatment of head lice infection. Adverse effects were reported in a number of trials and were all minor, although reporting quality varied between trials. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Permethrin, synergised pyrethrin and malathion were effective in the treatment of head lice. However, the emergence of drug resistance since these trials were conducted means there is no direct contemporary evidence of the comparative effectiveness of these products. The 'best' choice will now depend on local resistance patterns. Physical treatment methods(BugBusting) were shown ot be ineffective to treat head lice. No evidence exists regarding other chemical control methods such as the use of herbal treatments, when used in the curative treatment of head lice. Future trials should take into account the methodological recommendations that arise from this review.

Interventions for treating scabies.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is a common public health problem with an estimated global prevalence of 300 million. Infestation can cause considerable discomfort and intense itching. Severe adverse effects have been reported for some drugs used to treat scabies. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to assess the effects and toxicity of topical and systemic drug treatment for scabies. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, military records, traditional medicine databases. We also contacted international specialist centres and drug manufacturers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of any drug treatment for scabies. Tolerability and toxicity were sought in any study of humans taking any drug treatments for scabies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen trials were included (nine compared drug treatments, two compared treatment regimens, one compared the drug vehicle, and one was a community intervention). In one small trial, ivermectin was associated with a significant higher clinical cure rate at seven days when compared with placebo. Permethrin appeared to be more effective than crotamiton for clinical and parasitic cure rates. Permethrin appeared to be better than lindane for clinical cure rates in two small trials, but had no advantage in the largest trial (test for heterogeneity P < 0.001). Permethrin also appeared more effective in reducing itch persistence than lindane. There appeared to be no difference in clinical cure rates between crotamiton and lindane or benzyl benzoate and sulphur. Two trials assessed: the effectiveness of oral versus topical treatment (ivermectin versus benzyl benzoate and ivermectin ); single trial assessed treatment vehicle (pork fat versus cold cream); and mass community treatment (ivermectin), but all were too small to demonstrate an effect. No randomised trials of malathion were identified. Serious adverse drug reactions (including death and convulsions), most notably to lindane, permethrin and ivermectin, have been reported elsewhere. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The evidence that permethrin is more effective than lindane is inconsistent. Lindane, permethrin, and ivermectin appear to be associated with rare but serious drug reactions although this is not derived from trial data. More research is needed on the safety and effectiveness of ivermectin and malathion compared to permethrin, on community management, and on different regimens and vehicles for topical treatment.

Interventions for treating scabies.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is a common public health problem with an estimated prevalence of 300 million. Infestation can cause considerable discomfort and intense itching. Severe adverse effects have been reported for some drugs used to treat scabies. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to assess the effects and toxicity of topical and systemic drug treatment for scabies. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, Embase, military records, traditional medicine databases. We also contacted international specialist centres and drug manufacturers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of any drug treatment for scabies. Tolerability and toxicity were sought in any study of humans taking any drug treatments for scabies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Eleven trials were included (7 compared drug treatments, 2 compared treatment regimes, 1 compared the drug vehicle and 1 was a community intervention). Compared with placebo in one small trial, ivermectin was associated with a significant higher clinical cure rate at seven days. Permethrin appeared to be more effective than crotamiton for clinical and parasitic cure rates. Permethrin appeared to be better than gamma benzene hexachloride for clinical cure rates in two small trials but had no advantage in the largest trial (test for heterogeneity p< 0.001). Permethrin also appeared more effective in reducing itch persistance than gamma benzene hexachloride. There appeared to be no difference in clinical cure rates between crotamiton and gamma benzene hexachloride. Single trials assessed: the effectiveness of oral versus topical treatment (ivermectin versus benzyl benzoate); treatment vehicle (pork fat versus cold cream); and mass community treatment (ivermectin) but were too small to demonstrate an effect. No randomised trials of malathion were identified. Serious adverse drug reactions (including death and convulsions) have been reported in other studies of scabies drugs, most notably gamma benzene hexachoride and ivermectin. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The evidence that permethrin is more effective than gamma benzene hexachloride is inconsistent. Permethrin appears to have less potential serious drugs reactions than gamma benzene hexachloride although this is not derived from trial data. More research is needed of the safety and effectiveness of ivermectin and malathion compared to permethrin, on community management, and on different regimes and vehicles for topical treatment.

Interventions for treating headlice.

BACKGROUND: Infection with head lice is a widespread condition in developed and developing countries. Infection occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. If left untreated the condition can become intensely irritating and skin infections may occur if the bites are scratched. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to assess the effects of interventions for head lice. SEARCH STRATEGY: Trials register of The Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group; Medline; Embase; Science Citation Index; Biosis and Toxline; reference lists of relevant articles; pharmaceutical companies producing pediculicides (published and unpublished trials); UK and US Regulatory Authorities. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials (published and unpublished) or trials using alternate allocation were sought which compared pediculicides with the same and different formulations of other pediculicides, and pediculicides with physical methods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Of the 70 identified studies, only three met the inclusion criteria and one is awaiting assessment. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. One reviewer extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS: We found no evidence that any one pediculicide has greater effect than another. The two studies comparing malathion and permethrin with their respective vehicles showed a higher cure rate for the active ingredient than the vehicle. The third study comparing synergised pyrethrins with permethrin showed their effects to be equivalent. Adverse effects were reported in a number of trials and were all minor, although reporting quality varied between trials. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Permethrin, synergised pyrethrin and malathion were effective in the treatment of head lice. However, the emergence of drug resistance since these trials were conducted means there is no direct contemporary evidence of the comparative effectiveness of these products. The 'best' choice will now depend on local resistance patterns. There is currently no evidence from trials to indicate the effectiveness of physical methods, such as combing/'BugBusting' or other chemical control methods such as the use of herbal treatments, when used in the curative treatment of head lice. Future trials should take into account the methodological recommendations that arise from this review.

A field trial with etofenprox (OMS 3002) as a residual insecticide against malaria vectors, in Tanjung Bunga district, east Flores, Indonesia.

An operational trial of Vectron (Etofenprox, OMS 3002) was conducted in East Flores Regency, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province. The compound (Etofenprox 10EW) was applied as indoor residual spray and as an impregnation treatment for bednets in two separate areas. Dosage in both cases was 0.2 g/m2. A third area, designated as control, was untreated. In bioassay tests, bamboo surfaces gave 100% mortality for 150-160 days post spray, while wooden surfaces and treated bednets both gave complete mortality for at least 120 days. Malaria cases monitored by successive malariometric surveys showed steady declines in positivity rates, particularly in children.

Settling of insecticide from dip wash mixed with dam water and zinc sulphate and used to control sheep lice (Bovicola ovis).

Insecticidal dipping fluid emulsions, mixed in vitro in dam water containing suspended clay particles and 1% w/v zinc sulphate, were analysed to determine rates of settling of diazinon, cyhalothrin and cypermethrin. Fifteen minutes after mixing, the concentration of the insecticides 5 cm below the surface had declined by 72.5%, 72.8% and 89.4%, respectively. On remixing, the concentration of insecticide in suspension was close to or greater than the initial concentration. In 2 trials, lice were eradicated from sheep showered with dip wash mixed in cloudy dam water to which 1% w/v of zinc sulphate was added. In 12 flock treatments in which 1000 to 2000 sheep were dipped with added zinc sulphate, the concentration of insecticide remained above the minimum lethal for susceptible strains of lice. However, lice were still present 6 months later in 8 of these flocks. When zinc sulphate is added to dip wash, agitation is needed to maintain the insecticide in suspension.

[Prophylaxis and treatment of pediculosis with Quassia amarga]. / Profilaxis y tratamiento de pediculosis con Cuasia amarga.

A double-blind study against placebo was done in two primary schools of the west of La Pampa, with 105 and 43 pupils respectively. The object of this work was to find out the prophylactic action of the Quassia Amarga in the pediculosis of the human scalp. The number of new infested cases in both groups turned out to be most significant according to the formula SQUARE CHI. No adverse reactions were found after the application of the respective alcoholic solutions. As a result, we conclude that: a) The prophylactic and therapeutic action of the Quassia Amarga in the human pediculosis is confirmed. b) A noticeable reduction in expenses to eradicate permanently this form of parasitation at an official as well as at a community level is of importance.

Profilaxis y tratamiento de pediculosis con cuasia amarga / Prophylaxis and treatment of the pediculosis with quassia amara

Se realizó doble ciego contra placebo en dos escuelas de nivel primario del oeste pampeano, con 105 y 43 alumnos repectivamente. El objetivo del trabajo fue comprobar la acción profiláctica de la Cuasia Amarga en la pediculos humana del cuero cabelludo. El número de casos infestados nuevos en ambos grupos resultó francamente significativo según la fórmula del CHI CUADRADO. No se encontraron reacciones adversas tras la aplicación de las soluciones alcohólicas respectivas. De acuerdo a estos resultados: a) Se confirma la acción profiláctica y terapéutica de la cuasia Amarga en la pediculosis humana. b) se destaca la importancia de una franca reducción de gastos para erradicar en forma permanente dicha parasitación a nivel oficial y comunitario (AU)

Profilaxis y tratamiento de pediculosis con cuasia amarga / Prophylaxis and treatment of the pediculosis with quassia amara

Se realizó doble ciego contra placebo en dos escuelas de nivel primario del oeste pampeano, con 105 y 43 alumnos repectivamente. El objetivo del trabajo fue comprobar la acción profiláctica de la Cuasia Amarga en la pediculos humana del cuero cabelludo. El número de casos infestados nuevos en ambos grupos resultó francamente significativo según la fórmula del CHI CUADRADO. No se encontraron reacciones adversas tras la aplicación de las soluciones alcohólicas respectivas. De acuerdo a estos resultados: a) Se confirma la acción profiláctica y terapéutica de la cuasia Amarga en la pediculosis humana. b) se destaca la importancia de una franca reducción de gastos para erradicar en forma permanente dicha parasitación a nivel oficial y comunitario