Related Experiment Videos
Short course ciprofloxacin therapy for enteric fever
D Mathai1, G C Kudva, J S Keystone
1Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
Summary
A short course of ciprofloxacin effectively treated enteric fever in 21 patients. Most patients responded quickly, with Salmonella bacteria cleared from stools, though some experienced recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Enteric fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A, is a significant global health concern.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing challenge in treating enteric fever, necessitating effective treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a short course of ciprofloxacin for treating uncomplicated enteric fever.
- To assess the microbiological response and clinical outcomes in patients receiving ciprofloxacin therapy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 21 hospitalized patients diagnosed with S. typhi or S. paratyphi A infection.
- Patients received ciprofloxacin 750 mg twice daily for 7 days.
- Clinical response (fever resolution), microbiological clearance (stool cultures), and recurrence rates were monitored.
Main Results:
- Ciprofloxacin demonstrated high efficacy, with a median fever response time of 3 days.
- All Salmonella isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).
- Stool cultures were negative for Salmonella during follow-up (11-24 weeks), but two patients experienced recurrence.
Conclusions:
- A short course of ciprofloxacin is an effective treatment for uncomplicated enteric fever caused by susceptible S. typhi and S. paratyphi A.
- Close monitoring for recurrence is recommended following ciprofloxacin therapy for enteric fever.