In vitro testing of clarithromycin in combination with ethambutol and rifampicin against Mycobacterium avium complex

The activity of clarithromycin in combination with ethambutol and rifampicin was tested at concentrations achievable in serum against 20 strains of Mycobacterium avium complex. The combination of clarithromycin plus rifampicin showed inhibition of 11 of the strains and bactericidal synergism against seven of the strains. When ethambutol was added, a bactericidal effect was observed against 16 strains. On the basis of these in vitro data it seems that clarithromycin in combination with rifampicin and ethambutol may be a promising drug for the effective treatment of infections caused by M. avium complex.