title: Macrolide immunomodulatory effects and symptom resolution in acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and acute maxillary sinusitis: a focus on clarithromycin.
abstract: Bacterial respiratory tract infections are common in the primary care setting and patients often seek the assistance of a healthcare professional in order to achieve resolution of their symptoms. Antibiotic agents that offer rapid symptom relief, in addition to excellent bacteriological and clinical cure, are highly desired. Macrolides have proven to be highly effective in treating acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute maxillary sinusitis. In addition, immunomodulatory effects that may contribute to symptom resolution have been reported. This article reviews current literature on symptom resolution in acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute maxillary sinusitis, with a focus on clarithromycin, and explores the potential mechanisms that may contribute to this action.
authors.affiliation: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2-108, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. wbishai@jhmi.edu
authors.forename: William R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Bishai
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D029481:Bronchitis, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D017291:Clarithromycin