Randomized trial of azithromycin in the prophylaxis of Mediterranean spotted fever.

Abstract

A randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare clinical and serologic parameters of the efficacy of one-dose azithromycin in the prophylaxis of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) in 122 persons with a tick bite history. Antibodies to Rickettsia conorii (R. conorii) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) assay in 55 (45.1%) of 122 subjects. Positive result was obtained in 19 (31.1%) of 61 subjects with azithromycin prophylaxis and in 36 (59.0%) of 61 subjects without prophylaxis. Clinical signs and symptoms of MSF were recorded in 6 (9.8%) and asymptomatic infection in 30 (49.2%) of 61 subjects without prophylaxis. In subjects with prophylaxis, clinical signs of the disease were not recorded at all, whereas asymptomatic infection was detected in 19 (31.1%) of 61 subjects. Based on the results obtained in our study, we assume that a single dose of azithromycin is promising in MSF prevention.

• Authors: Boris Dzelalija, Miro Petrovec, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Jadranka Strugar, Tatjana Anić Milić
• Journal: Acta medica Croatica : casopis Hravatske akademije medicinskih znanosti (Acta Med Croatica) Vol. 56 Issue 2 Pg. 45-7 ( 2002) ISSN: 1330-0164 [Print] Croatia
• PMID: 12596623 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Antibodies, Bacterial
• Azithromycin

Topics

• Adult
• Animals
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage)
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis
• Antibodies, Bacterial (blood)
• Azithromycin (administration & dosage)
• Bites and Stings (complications)
• Boutonneuse Fever (immunology, prevention & control)
• Child
• Humans
• Rickettsia conorii (immunology)
• Ticks