A randomized, double-blind study of the efficacy of fleroxacin versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in men with culture-proven chancroid.
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.
Plourde
P J
PJ
World Health Organisation Centre for Research and Training on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
D'Costa
L J
LJ
Agoki
E
E
Ombette
J
J
Ndinya-Achola
J O
JO
Slaney
L A
LA
Ronald
A R
AR
Plummer
F A
FA
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002602:Chancroid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016576:Fleroxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; D016576:Fleroxacin