Pattern of antibiotic use in a trachoma-endemic region of Nepal: implications for mass azithromycin distribution.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To investigate antibiotic utilization in a rural district of western Nepal that is currently receiving azithromycin as part of a trachoma program and is being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for drug resistance.

METHODS:

Antibiotic purchase receipts were collected for 3 months from all medicine halls, pharmacies, and government sub-health posts in a sub-district of Western Nepal. Supplementary surveys of antibiotic sales were performed in different seasons.

RESULTS:

Macrolides account for 3.9% of total antibiotic use, far less than quinolones, penicillins, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides.

CONCLUSIONS:

If trachoma programs in Western Nepal generate transient macrolide resistance in pneumococcus and other bacteria, the epidemiological impact may not be great, as macrolides are not commonly used in the area.

• Authors: Vivian Schiedler, Ramesh C Bhatta, Yinghui Miao, Mariko Bird, Hem Jha, J S P Chaudary, Alicia M Fry, Thomas M Lietman
• Journal: Ophthalmic epidemiology (Ophthalmic Epidemiol) Vol. 10 Issue 1 Pg. 31-6 (Feb 2003) ISSN: 0928-6586 [Print] England
• PMID: 12607157 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Azithromycin

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Azithromycin
• Drug Prescriptions (statistics & numerical data)
• Drug Resistance, Bacterial
• Drug Utilization Review
• Endemic Diseases (statistics & numerical data)
• Humans
• Nepal (epidemiology)
• Rural Population (statistics & numerical data)
• Trachoma (drug therapy, epidemiology)