Adequate macrolide treatment schedules for uterine cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis

To evaluate in vivo efficacy of macrolides; erythromycin (EM) and clarithro mycin (CAM), in the different treatment schedules of Chlamydia trachomatis uterine cervicitis im women. Cervical C. trachomatis was detected by the po lymerase chain reaction. EM was orally administered to 8, 15 and 18 Japanes e patients, at a dosage of 600 mg, t.i.d. for 5, 7 and 14 days, respectivel y. CAM was orally administered to 10, 26 and 19 Japanese patients at a dosa ge of 400 mg, b.i.d. for 5, 7 and 14 days, respectively. The eradication ra te and the recurrence rate in the different treatment schedules of C. trach omatis were evaluated. The eradication rates after 5, 7 or 14 days of treat ment with EM were 1/8, 8/15 or 13/18, respectively. The recurrence rates af ter 5, 7 or 14 days of treatment with EM were 1/1, 3/8 or 2/ 13, respective ly. On the other hand, the eradication rates after 5, 7 or 14 days of treat ment with CAM were 5/10, 26/26 or 19/19, respectively. The recurrence rates after 5, 7 or 14 days of treatment with CAM were 3/5, 0/26 or 0/19, respec tively. A 7-day treatment with CAM would be adequate and effective for C. t rachomatis uterine cervicitis.