Rapid response of AIDS-related bacillary angiomatosis to azithromycin

A 28-year-old male with AIDS and a CD4 cell count of 100/mm3 presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, weight loss, and multiple, polypoid, angiomatous lesions on his face. It was determined by means of biopsy that the lesions were due to bacillary angiomatosis. The patient was treated with oral azithromycin (1 g daily as a single dose). Rapid resolution of the skin lesions was noted. After 1 week of therapy, diminution in the size of the liver and spleen was noted. The only significant side effect noted was diarrhea, which was controlled with symptomatic therapy.