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.
Tyndall
M W
MW
WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Agoki
E
E
Plummer
F A
FA
Malisa
W
W
Ndinya-Achola
J O
JO
Ronald
A R
AR
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