Comparative analysis of azithromycin and ciprofloxacin in the treatment of chronic prostatitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

A total of 89 patients, (>18 years), with symptoms of chronic prostatitis and inflammatory findings as well as the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis confirmed by DNA/RNA DIGENE hybridization method and/or by isolation, McCoy culture and Lugol stain in expressed prostatic secretion or in voided bladder urine collected immediately after prostatic massage, were examined. The patients were randomized to receive a total of 4.5 g of azithromycin for 3 weeks, given as a 3-day therapy of 1 x 500 mg weekly or ciprofloxacin 500 mg b.i.d. for 20 days. Patients' sexual partners were treated at the same time. Clinical and bacteriological efficacy were evaluated 4-6 weeks after the end of therapy. Significantly higher eradication (36/45: 17/44; P=0.0002) and a significantly higher clinical cure (31/45: 15/44; P=0.0021) were achieved in the group of patients treated with azithromycin than in the ciprofloxacin group.

Randomized trial of azithromycin in the prophylaxis of Mediterranean spotted fever.

A randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare clinical and serologic parameters of the efficacy of one-dose azithromycin in the prophylaxis of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) in 122 persons with a tick bite history. Antibodies to Rickettsia conorii (R. conorii) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) assay in 55 (45.1%) of 122 subjects. Positive result was obtained in 19 (31.1%) of 61 subjects with azithromycin prophylaxis and in 36 (59.0%) of 61 subjects without prophylaxis. Clinical signs and symptoms of MSF were recorded in 6 (9.8%) and asymptomatic infection in 30 (49.2%) of 61 subjects without prophylaxis. In subjects with prophylaxis, clinical signs of the disease were not recorded at all, whereas asymptomatic infection was detected in 19 (31.1%) of 61 subjects. Based on the results obtained in our study, we assume that a single dose of azithromycin is promising in MSF prevention.