Antibiotic Resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae after Azithromycin Distribution for Trachoma.
Author(s)
Ho, DK
Sawicki, C
Grassly, N
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Mass distribution of azithromycin (AZM) is part of the strategy for the global elimination of blinding trachoma by 2020. Although resistance to AZM in C. trachomatis has not been reported, there have been concerns about resistance in other organisms when AZM is administered in community settings. We identified studies that measured pneumococcal prevalence and resistance to AZM following mass AZM provision reported up to 2013 in Medline and Web of Science databases. Potential sources of bias were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. A total of 45 records were screened, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. We identified two distinct trends of resistance prevalence, which are dependent on frequency of AZM provision and baseline prevalence of resistance. We also demonstrated strong correlation between the prevalence of resistance at baseline and at 2-3 months (r = 0.759). Although resistance to AZM in C. trachomatis has not been reported, resistance to this commonly used macrolide antibiotic in other diseases could compromise treatment. This should be considered when planning long-term trachoma control strategies.
Date Issued
2015-09-27
Date Acceptance
2015-09-27
Citation
Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2015, 2015
ISSN
1687-9694
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Tropical Medicine
Volume
2015
Copyright Statement
© 2015 Derek K-H. Ho et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
917370