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A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii
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A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii

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Clarithromycin in the management of community-acquired pneumonia

J M McCarty1

  • 1Hill Top Research, Inc., Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Division, Fresno, California 93710, USA.

Clinical Therapeutics
|August 30, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) management is complex. Newer macrolides like clarithromycin are effective, and clinical macrolide resistance rates for Streptococcus pneumoniae are low despite lab data.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) presents significant morbidity and mortality.
  • Outpatient CAP management is complicated by new antimicrobials, resistance, and atypical pathogens.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is common, but antibiotic resistance is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Review the epidemiology and diagnosis of CAP.
  • Examine factors influencing empiric antimicrobial therapy selection.
  • Focus on the role of clarithromycin in CAP treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a MEDLINE search of English-language articles (1990-2000).
  • Focused on the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia.
  • Emphasized the use of clarithromycin in the review.

Main Results:

  • Macrolide antimicrobial drugs (clarithromycin, azithromycin) are effective and well-tolerated.
  • Azithromycin's low serum levels may limit its use in suspected bacteremia.
  • Laboratory data show macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae, but clinical resistance rates appear low.

Conclusions:

  • Despite laboratory findings of macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae, clinical resistance rates are low.
  • Pharmacokinetic properties of macrolides support their clinical utility.
  • Clarithromycin is a viable option for treating community-acquired pneumonia.

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