Efficacy of clarithromycin for treatment of experimental Lyme disease in vivo.
Clarithromycin provided effective therapy against arthritis induced by Borrelia burgdorferi infection in the hamster. In vitro, clarithromycin was at least 1 log more potent than tetracycline against two isolates of B. burgdorferi from human sources, as measured by MICs and 50% inhibitory concentrations. Clarithromycin was effective in preventing the onset of B. burgdorferi-induced arthritis, as determined by several parameters of paw swelling. When administered after the onset of arthritis, clarithromycin therapy reduced the degree of swelling and decreased recovery time. These results suggest that clarithromycin has potential as an effective therapy for Lyme disease.
Alder
J
J
Anti-Infective Research Division, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-3500.
Mitten
M
M
Jarvis
K
K
Gupta
P
P
Clement
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D015748:Borrelia burgdorferi Group / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006321:Heart / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000382:microbiology; D008193:Lyme Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D008647:Mesocricetus; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D013154:Spleen / Q000382:microbiology; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000382:microbiology
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D017291:Clarithromycin