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Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
Published on: August 30, 2014
Current pharmacotherapy of pertussis
1Department of Microbiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK. jonathankerr@hotmail.com
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|October 5, 2001
Summary
Erythromycin is the preferred antibiotic for treating pertussis (whooping cough), reducing disease severity and duration. Prophylaxis is also recommended for close contacts to control infection spread.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis, leads to significant illness and death.
- While vaccination is key for prevention, antimicrobial chemotherapy plays a crucial role in managing pertussis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current antimicrobial chemotherapy options for pertussis.
- To highlight the role of antibiotics in both treatment and infection control.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pertussis chemotherapy.
- Analysis of antibiotic efficacy in reducing bacterial colonization and disease severity.
Main Results:
- Erythromycin is the recommended treatment of choice, reducing pertussis severity and duration, even when initiated during the paroxysmal phase.
- While a 14-day course is standard, a 7-day course may offer similar efficacy.
- Alternative antibiotics include clarithromycin, azithromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Fluoroquinolones show in vitro activity but lack clinical data.
- Supportive care and adjunctive therapies like steroids are vital for infants and severe cases.
Conclusions:
- Erythromycin is effective for pertussis treatment and prophylaxis in close contacts.
- Antibiotic therapy is essential for reducing bacterial load and preventing complications.
- Further research is needed for fluoroquinolone use in adult pertussis cases.
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