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Ciprofloxacin in meningococcal carriers
1Medical Section, General Headquarters, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki.
Abstract:
Chemoprophylaxis of meningococcal disease is still necessary in spite of the availability of an effective vaccine against group A, C, Y and W135 strain meningococci. After emergence of sulphonamide resistant meningococcal strains, rifampin has been the drug used for chemoprophylaxis. Development of rifampin resistance in meningococci during short term prophylactic treatments makes this treatment less suitable. At present, there are several studies where ciprofloxacin has shown good effect in eradication of meningococci from nasopharyngeal carriers. It also seems obvious that one single dose of ciprofloxacin is enough for the purpose. Ciprofloxacin can be recommended for chemoprophylaxis of meningococcal disease in adults.
Insights
Chemoprophylaxis for meningococcal disease remains crucial. Ciprofloxacin offers a single-dose solution for eradicating meningococci carriers, making it a recommended option for adults.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Meningococcal disease chemoprophylaxis is essential despite vaccination against common strains.
- Emergence of sulfonamide-resistant strains led to rifampin use, but resistance can develop.
- Rifampin resistance during short-term prophylaxis limits its suitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate ciprofloxacin as a chemoprophylactic agent for meningococcal disease.
- To assess the efficacy of a single-dose ciprofloxacin regimen.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies investigating ciprofloxacin for meningococcal eradication.
- Analysis of ciprofloxacin's effectiveness in clearing nasopharyngeal carriers.
Main Results:
- Ciprofloxacin has demonstrated effectiveness in eradicating meningococci from carriers.
- A single dose of ciprofloxacin appears sufficient for this purpose.
Conclusions:
- Ciprofloxacin is a viable alternative for meningococcal disease chemoprophylaxis in adults.
- Single-dose ciprofloxacin shows promise for preventing meningococcal disease.