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Ciprofloxacin for treatment of malakoplakia
R van Furth1, J W van't Wout, P A Wertheimer
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Leiden, Netherlands.
Abstract:
The tumour-like lesions of the rare disease malakoplakia, which consist of macrophages containing undigested coliform bacteria, are often misdiagnosed as a carcinoma. Although an infectious aetiology is likely, no antimicrobial therapy has been successful in the long-term. Since ciprofloxacin penetrates well into macrophages, this drug was given to two patients with advanced malakoplakia (500 mg twice daily). After long-term treatment all granulomatous lesions disappeared. Thus, malakoplakia can be cured by antibiotic treatment.
Insights
Malakoplakia, a rare disease causing tumor-like lesions, can be effectively treated with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Long-term antibiotic therapy led to the complete disappearance of granulomatous lesions in patients with advanced malakoplakia.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malakoplakia is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by tumor-like lesions.
- These lesions, composed of macrophages with undigested coliform bacteria, are frequently misdiagnosed as carcinoma.
- The exact etiology is likely infectious, but long-term antimicrobial therapies have historically been unsuccessful.
Observation:
- Ciprofloxacin demonstrates good penetration into macrophages, the primary cells involved in malakoplakia.
- Two patients with advanced malakoplakia were treated with ciprofloxacin at a dosage of 500 mg twice daily.
- Long-term administration of ciprofloxacin resulted in the complete resolution of granulomatous lesions.
Findings:
- Antibiotic treatment with ciprofloxacin can effectively resolve malakoplakia lesions.
- The study suggests a successful therapeutic strategy for this rare disease.
- Ciprofloxacin's efficacy highlights the potential of targeted antimicrobial therapy in malakoplakia.
Implications:
- Malakoplakia may be curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
- This finding could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment protocols for malakoplakia.
- Further research into ciprofloxacin's role in managing malakoplakia is warranted.
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