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Role of prophylactic azithromycin to reduce airway inflammation and mortality in a RSV mouse infection model

Ricardo A Mosquera1, Wilfredo De Jesus-Rojas1, James M Stark1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|February 7, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Prophylactic azithromycin reduced respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection severity in mice, decreasing weight loss, inflammation, and mortality. This supports further trials for azithromycin in RSV prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of illness and death, particularly in vulnerable groups.
  • Macrolides, like azithromycin, possess anti-inflammatory properties beyond their antibiotic effects.
  • The study investigates azithromycin's potential to mitigate RSV infection severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic azithromycin in reducing the severity of RSV infection.
  • To assess the impact of azithromycin on key indicators of RSV infection in a mouse model.

Main Methods:

  • BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: control, RSV-infected, early azithromycin prophylaxis, and late azithromycin prophylaxis.
  • Mice were infected with RSV, and outcomes including weight, bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts, cytokine levels, histopathology, and mortality were monitored over 8 days.

Main Results:

  • Azithromycin prophylaxis significantly reduced post-infection weight loss in RSV-infected mice.
  • Key inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-5, Interferon-Gamma) and total cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage were significantly lower in the azithromycin groups.
  • Lung histology showed reduced inflammation, and mortality was observed only in the untreated RSV group.

Conclusions:

  • Prophylactic azithromycin effectively ameliorated weight loss, airway inflammation, and mortality associated with RSV infection in mice.
  • These findings provide a strong rationale for clinical trials investigating prophylactic azithromycin for RSV infection management.
Keywords:
airway inflammationazithromycinelderly BALB/c mouseinterleukin-6respiratory syncytial virus

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