S. Maraki et al., Prospective evaluation of the impact of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and their combination on human gastrointestinal colonization by Candida species, CHEMOTHERA, 47(3), 2001, pp. 215-218
Amoxicillin and clarithromycin have been used extensively for the eradicati
on of Helicobacter pylori, However, no study has examined the impact of the
ir combination on the Candida albicans concentration of the gastrointestina
l (GI) tract. This is the first study examining and comparing directly the
effect of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and their combination on the C. albic
ans concentration of the human GI tract. Methods: Thirty-three adult patien
ts (11 in each antibiotic group) were studied prospectively. Quantitative s
tool cultures for Candida were conducted at the beginning, the end and 1 we
ek after the discontinuation of antibiotic treatment. Results: All three re
gimens increased the GI colonization in patients by Candida. The combinatio
n of amoxicillin with clarithromycin caused the highest increase; however,
this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Amoxicillin and clarith
romycin used either alone or in combination cause a small to moderate incre
ase in GI colonization by Candida. Hence, these drugs could be safely used
in patients at risk for candidiasis originating from the GI tract. Copyrigh
t (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.