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Spiramycin versus penicillin V in the empiric treatment of bacterial tonsillitis

L Manolopoulos, C Adamopoulos, A Tzagaroulakis

    The British Journal of Clinical Practice
    |March 1, 1989
    PubMed

    Insights

    Spiramycin demonstrated equal effectiveness and safety to penicillin V for treating acute bacterial tonsillitis in adults. This study found no side effects in either treatment group, suggesting spiramycin as a viable alternative.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Pharmacology
    • Microbiology

    Background:

    • Acute bacterial tonsillitis is a common infection, frequently caused by streptococci.
    • Penicillin V has been a standard treatment, but alternatives are sought for efficacy and safety.
    • Understanding pathogen prevalence, including Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, is crucial for effective treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare the efficacy and safety of spiramycin versus penicillin V in treating acute bacterial tonsillitis.
    • To evaluate clinical outcomes and side effects associated with each antibiotic.
    • To determine if spiramycin is a suitable alternative to penicillin V for this condition.

    Main Methods:

    • A comparative study involving 55 adult patients diagnosed with acute bacterial tonsillitis.
    • Patients were randomized to receive either spiramycin or penicillin V.
    • Pathogen identification, primarily focusing on streptococci, was performed.

    Main Results:

    • The most common pathogens identified were streptococci, with approximately one-third being Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci.
    • One clinical failure occurred in the penicillin V group; no failures were reported in the spiramycin group.
    • No adverse side effects were observed in patients receiving either spiramycin or penicillin V.

    Conclusions:

    • Spiramycin showed equivalent clinical efficacy to penicillin V in treating acute bacterial tonsillitis in adults.
    • Both treatments were well-tolerated, with no reported side effects.
    • Spiramycin represents a safe and effective alternative antibiotic option for acute bacterial tonsillitis.

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