Avermectins

Avermectins are a series of drugs and pesticides used to treat parasitic worms and insects. They are naturally occurring compounds derived from the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. Avermectins include a range of different compounds, including ivermectin, selamectin, doramectin, and abamectin.

History

The avermectins were discovered in the late 1970s by Satoshi Ōmura and William Campbell. The discovery led to the development of a new class of drugs that are effective against many parasites, including those that cause river blindness and elephantiasis. For their work, Ōmura and Campbell were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.

Uses

Avermectins are used in both human and veterinary medicine. They are effective against a wide range of parasites, including roundworms, heartworms, and mites. In humans, they are used to treat conditions such as river blindness and elephantiasis. In animals, they are used to prevent heartworm disease and to treat various types of mites and lice.

Mechanism of action

Avermectins work by binding to glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites. This causes an influx of chloride ions, which leads to hyperpolarization of the cell membrane and paralysis and death of the parasite.

Side effects

Common side effects of avermectins include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness. In rare cases, they can cause more serious side effects, such as seizures, coma, and death.

See also

• Ivermectin
• Selamectin
• Doramectin
• Abamectin

References

Avermectins Resources
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