What is the first line treatment for Loiasis?

The first-line treatment for Loiasis, an infection caused by the filarial parasite Loa loa, is diethylcarbamazine (DEC). DEC works by immobilizing the adult worms and reducing the microfilariae in the bloodstream, making it effective for treating this specific type of filariasis. The drug helps to alleviate symptoms associated with the infection and is well-tolerated in patients, making it the preferred choice.

Other medications listed have specific uses but do not effectively target Loa loa. For example, praziquantel is primarily used for the treatment of schistosomiasis and other trematode infections rather than filarial infections like Loiasis. Ivermectin is often used in the treatment of other filarial infections, particularly onchocerciasis (river blindness), but can exacerbate symptoms in Loiasis due to the inflammatory response to dying microfilariae. Albendazole is effective against many nematode (roundworm) infections but is not the first-line treatment for Loiasis. Thus, diethylcarbamazine stands out as the correct and most effective choice for patients with Loiasis.