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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Determination of Tolerable Fatty Acids and Cholera Toxin Concentrations Using Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and BALB/c Mouse Macrophages
09:39

Determination of Tolerable Fatty Acids and Cholera Toxin Concentrations Using Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and BALB/c Mouse Macrophages

Published on: May 30, 2013

Azithromycin in the treatment of cholera in children

M K Bhattacharya1, D Dutta, T Ramamurthy

  • 1Clinical Division, NICED, Beliaghata, Calcutta, India.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|July 15, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Azithromycin is more effective than erythromycin for treating cholera in children. This study found azithromycin significantly reduced stool output and diarrhoea duration in pediatric cholera patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical pharmacology

Background:

  • Cholera remains a significant public health concern, particularly in children, necessitating effective antimicrobial treatments.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality associated with cholera.
  • Macrolide antibiotics are used in cholera treatment, but comparative efficacy data is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of azithromycin versus erythromycin in treating cholera in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the impact of azithromycin on key clinical parameters of cholera severity in children.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted involving 80 children with acute watery diarrhea and moderate to severe dehydration.
  • Fifty-six patients with stool culture-confirmed Vibrio cholerae infection were analyzed.
  • Patients received either azithromycin (29) or erythromycin (27) in conjunction with rehydration therapy.

Main Results:

  • Azithromycin treatment resulted in significantly reduced stool output compared to erythromycin.
  • The duration of diarrhea was significantly shorter in children treated with azithromycin.
  • Patients receiving azithromycin required lower fluid intake, indicating improved hydration status.

Conclusions:

  • Azithromycin demonstrates superior efficacy compared to erythromycin in the treatment of pediatric cholera.
  • Azithromycin offers a promising therapeutic option for managing cholera in children, potentially leading to faster recovery and reduced complications.
Abstract

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