Daily trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis rapidly induces corresponding resistance among intestinal Escherichia coli of HIV-infected adults in Kenya.
BACKGROUND
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) has been recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) as daily prophylaxis for Africans with AIDS to prevent opportunistic infections. Daily TMP-SMZ may reduce its susceptibility to commensal intestinal Escherichia coli (E coli), increasing the burden of TMP-SMZ-resistant pathogens.


METHODS
Participants received either daily TMP-SMZ (CD4 <350 cells/mm(3)) or daily multivitamins (MVIs; CD4 > or =350 cells/mm(3)) for 6 months. Stool was collected at baseline, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months. A random E coli was tested for susceptibility.


RESULTS
Baseline prevalence of TMP-SMZ resistance ranged from 71% to 81% and was not different across CD4 strata. At 2 weeks, prevalence of TMP-SMZ-resistant E coli increased significantly from 78% to 98% (P < .001) among persons taking daily TMP-SMZ and did not change among persons taking MVIs.


CONCLUSIONS
Daily prophylaxis with TMP-SMZ induced in vivo resistance to the drug after 2 weeks. Empiric therapy for diarrhea with agents other than TMP-SMZ should be considered for HIV-infected persons receiving daily TMP-SMZ prophylaxis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
T M
TM
Chiller
C S
CS
Polyak
J T
JT
Brooks
J
J
Williamson
B
B
Ochieng
Y P
YP
Shi
P
P
Ouma
C
C
Greene
M
M
Hamel
J
J
Vulule
C
C
Bopp
L
L
Slutsker
E
E
Mintz
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015331:Cohort Studies; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D055815:Young Adult
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D014815:Vitamins; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination