Recent strategies for control and containing the spread of river blindness include

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Recent strategies for control and containing the spread of river blindness, also known as onchocerciasis, include:
A. Antibiotics to inhibit bacterial endosymbionts within Onchocerca volvulus: This strategy involves the use of antibiotics like doxycycline to target Wolbachia, a genus of bacteria that live inside the cells of many filarial parasites including Onchocerca volvulus. Wolbachia is essential for the survival and reproduction of the worms. By eliminating these bacteria with antibiotics, the reproductive capabilities of the worms are compromised, and their lifespan is reduced, which helps in controlling the spread of the disease.
B. Antihelmintic drugs such as ivermectin to destroy the larval worms: Ivermectin is a medication that has been used effectively to treat onchocerciasis. It works by paralyzing and killing the microfilariae (larval worms) released by the adult worms, which are responsible for the symptoms and transmission of the disease. Mass drug administration of ivermectin in affected communities has been a cornerstone of river blindness control programs.
C. Antiprotozoan drugs such as metronidazole: This is not a strategy used for controlling river blindness. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is effective against certain protozoan infections, but it is not used for treating onchocerciasis, which is caused by a nematode worm, not a protozoan.
D. Insecticides to decrease the blackfly population: The blackfly (Simulium species) is the vector that transmits Onchocerca volvulus from person to person. Controlling the population of blackflies through the use of insecticides in breeding sites can significantly reduce the transmission of the parasite. Environmental management and insecticide-treated nets may also be used to protect individuals from blackfly bites.
E. Filtering water through nylon sieves to remove Cyclops: This strategy is not related to river blindness but is instead used to control the spread of Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis), which is transmitted through water contaminated with Cyclops, a type of small crustacean that can carry the Guinea worm larvae.
In summary, the most effective recent strategies for controlling and containing the spread of river blindness are the use of antibiotics to target bacterial endosymbionts within the worms (A) and the use of antihelmintic drugs like ivermectin to kill the larval worms (B), along with vector control measures to reduce the population of blackflies (D).

Recent Strategies for Control and Containing the Spread of River