EFFICACY OF AZITHROMYCIN FOR TREATING BABESIA-MICROTI INFECTION IN THE HAMSTER MODEL

Because of its prevalence and severity, Babesia microti infection is a n important public health problem. The current treatment of choice is clindamycin plus quinine. However, in some cases other treatments are needed because of drug intolerance or relapse. The activity of azithro mycin was investigated for treatment of babesiosis in the hamster mode l. All animals received vancomycin to prevent antibiotic-associated co litis. Quinine (250 mg/kg/day), azithromycin (150 mg/kg/day), and the combination of azithromycin and quinine were compared. A significant s uppression of pargsitemia was found in all treatment groups (combinati on had the greatest effect, followed by azithromycin, then quinine; P < .05). The mean survival was significantly prolonged in the combinati on group (P < .05). Azithromycin as monotherapy in a higher dose (300 mg/kg/day) also resulted in a significant prolongation of survival (P < .05). Spirogermanium and ciprofloxacin, which have been reported to have antimalarial activity, had no effect on parasitemia or survival i n this experimental babesiosis model.