Single dose azithromycin for the treatment of chancroid: a randomized comparison with erythromycin.
OBJECTIVE
Chancroid is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and enhances the sexual transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV-1). Azithromycin is an orally absorbed macrolide antibiotic that is active against Haemophilus ducreyi, the causative agent of chancroid, and has pharmacokinetic properties that are suitable for single dosing.


METHODS
In a randomized single-blinded study of 127 men presenting to a referral STD clinic with culture proven chancroid, we compared the efficacy of azithromycin, administered as a single 1 g dose, with erythromycin 500 mg given 4 times daily for 7 days.


RESULTS
Cure rates were 89% (73 of 82) in the azithromycin group and 91% (41 of 45) in the erythromycin group. A failure to respond to treatment was associated with HIV-1 seropositivity and a lack of circumcision. Both regimens were well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Azithromycin, given as a single 1 g oral dose, is an effective treatment for chancroid in men, and offers major prescribing advantages over erythromycin.
WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
M W
MW
Tyndall
E
E
Agoki
F A
FA
Plummer
W
W
Malisa
J O
JO
Ndinya-Achola
A R
AR
Ronald
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002602:Chancroid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D002944:Circumcision, Male; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D017211:Treatment Failure
D004917:Erythromycin; D017963:Azithromycin