Effect of azithromycin plus rifampin versus amoxicillin alone on eradication and inflammation in the chronic course of Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonitis in mice

The effects of treatment with azithromycin plus rifampin (A+R), amoxicillin (A), or placebo (P) on the chronic course of experimental Chlamydia pneumo niae pneumonitis in mice were assessed by culture, PCR, and immunocytochemi stry as well as by degree of inflammation in lung tissue. Eradication of th e pathogen was significantly more frequent and inflammation in tissue was s ignificantly reduced after treatment with A+R compared to after treatment w ith A or P. Combination therapy with azithromycin plus rifampin showed favo rable effects in the chronic course of C. pneumoniae pneumonitis.