A randomized, double-blind study of the efficacy of fleroxacin versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in men with culture-proven chancroid.

Abstract

Chancroid is linked to the spread of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in East Africa. Effective, easily administered therapy is a priority for the control of Haemophilus ducreyi. The efficacy of a single oral dose of fleroxacin, 400 mg, was compared to a 3-day oral course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ), 160/800 mg, twice daily for the treatment of chancroid in 98 HIV-1-seronegative men in Nairobi, Kenya. No differences were noted between the two groups with respect to demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, and clinical characteristics. Culture-proven failure occurred in 1 (3%) of 36 fleroxacin-treated patients and in 11 (30%) of 37 TMP-SMZ-treated patients (P = .005). Fleroxacin, as a single oral dose, is an effective treatment for culture-proven chancroid in patients who are HIV-1 seronegative. TMP-SMZ is no longer predictably effective due to the recent emergence of resistance to both sulfonamides and to trimethoprim.

• Authors: P J Plourde, L J D'Costa, E Agoki, J Ombette, J O Ndinya-Achola, L A Slaney, A R Ronald, F A Plummer
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 165 Issue 5 Pg. 949-52 (May 1992) ISSN: 0022-1899 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1569347 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
• Fleroxacin

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Chancroid (drug therapy)
• Double-Blind Method
• Fleroxacin (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)