How effective is azithromycin in reducing childhood mortality in sub-Saharan Africa?4 answersAzithromycin has shown varying effectiveness in reducing childhood mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have highlighted its potential benefits in specific age groups and settings. Research indicates that mass azithromycin distribution can reduce all-cause childhood mortality in high-mortality settings, particularly in children aged 1 to 5 months. However, the efficacy of neonatal azithromycin in low-mortality settings remains inconclusive in reducing mortality at 6 months. Additionally, a trial evaluating intrapartum azithromycin did not show a significant reduction in neonatal sepsis or mortality, suggesting no routine introduction for this purpose. Further trials, like the LAKANA trial, are ongoing to assess the mortality benefits of azithromycin mass drug administration in different settings and age groups.
How does Azithromycin impact the adhesion molecules with qpcr?5 answersAzithromycin's impact on adhesion molecules was studied in various contexts. It was found that azithromycin treatment did not significantly affect the plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules like VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin in patients with coronary artery disease over a 6-month period. Additionally, azithromycin increased transepithelial electrical resistance in human airway epithelia by altering the processing of tight junction proteins, which could explain its beneficial effects in lung diseases. Furthermore, azithromycin was shown to modulate a sub-regulon of the quorum sensing system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, affecting virulence factor production in other bacteria as well. Moreover, azithromycin was found to decrease NALP3 protein levels in monocytes by destabilizing NLRP3 gene transcript mRNA levels, leading to reduced inflammation.
Is azithromycin syrup associated with Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis?5 answersAzithromycin, a commonly prescribed macrolide antibiotic, has been linked to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) in several cases. Studies have reported cases of SJS/TEN associated with macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, roxithromycin, and telithromycin. While azithromycin is not considered a common cause of SJS, it has been identified as a culprit drug in inducing this severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. A case report from Bangladesh highlighted a fatal outcome of SJS induced by azithromycin, emphasizing the importance of recognizing such adverse effects promptly and discontinuing the offending medication while providing supportive care. Therefore, physicians should be vigilant about the potential association between azithromycin and SJS/TEN, ensuring timely intervention in suspected cases.
Does Azithromycine inhibit eosinophil recruitment?5 answersAzithromycin has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects on eosinophil recruitment. However, the specific inhibitory effect of azithromycin on eosinophil recruitment is not mentioned in the abstracts provided.
Which disc diffusion method is more accurate in detecting azithromycin resistance in microbes?5 answersThe disc diffusion method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) is not reliable for detecting azithromycin resistance in microbes, particularly for isolates with high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the susceptible range. The study found that the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of the disc diffusion method compared to the E-test method were 100%, 83%, 100%, 9%, and 83%, respectively. Another study also concluded that the azithromycin disc diffusion diameter interpretations recommended by CLSI can mislabel some sensitive strains as resistant. Therefore, the E-test method may be a better alternative to the disc diffusion method for detecting azithromycin resistance, provided appropriate training is conducted prior to its application.
What is azithromycin?5 answersAzithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from erythromycin, belonging to the subclass of macrolide antibiotics. It inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and is used to treat or prevent various bacterial infections, including respiratory, urogenital, dermal, and gastrointestinal infections. Azithromycin also has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, making it effective in chronic inflammatory disorders such as diffuse panbronchiolitis, post-transplant bronchiolitis, and rosacea. It has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects in chronic airway diseases like cystic fibrosis, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and non-eosinophilic asthma. Azithromycin has a good safety record, but rare cases of cardiac torsades des pointes have been reported in patients at risk. It may also have potential applications in periodontal treatment.