title: Enhanced control of an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with azithromycin prophylaxis.
abstract: There are currently no recommended epidemic-control measures for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia outbreaks in closed communities. Previous studies have suggested the usefulness of chemoprophylaxis administered to close contacts of case-patients. To evaluate the effectiveness of various epidemic-control measures during an institutional outbreak, an observational study was undertaken during a very large outbreak of M. pneumoniae pneumonia at a facility for developmentally disabled residents (n = 142 cases). Control measures evaluated included no control, standard epidemic-control measures, and targeted azithromycin prophylaxis (500 mg on day 1, 250 mg/day on days 2-5) plus standard epidemic-control measures. The combined use of azithromycin prophylaxis and standard epidemic-control measures was associated with a significant reduction in the secondary attack rate. This study suggests that the addition of antibiotic prophylaxis to standard epidemic-control measures can be useful during institutional outbreaks of M. pneumoniae pneumonia.
authors.affiliation: Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Disease, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Klausner
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Passaro
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Thacker
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Talkington
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Vugia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017963:Azithromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000379:methods*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D017963:Azithromycin