The macrolide antibiotic azithromycin potently inhibits hepatitis E virus in cell culture models

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and children requires treatment; however, no approved medication is currently available. The macrolide antibiotic azithromycin has been identified as a potent HEV inhibitor. Azithromycin inhibits HEV replication and viral protein expression in multiple cell culture models with genotype 1 and 3 strains. This is largely independent of its induction of an interferon-like response. Because it is safe and cheap, repurposing azithromycin for treating HEV infection is attractive, particularly in resource-limited settings.