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Treatment of human leptospira infections with semicillin (ampicillin) or with amoxil (amoxycillin)

D Münnich, M Lakatos

    Chemotherapy
    |January 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Ampicillin and Amoxycillin effectively treat Leptospira infections in humans. These antibiotics reduced fever duration and relapse rates compared to benzylpenicillin, showing strong leptospirocidal activity.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Pharmacology
    • Bacteriology

    Background:

    • Leptospirosis is a significant zoonotic disease with potential for severe complications.
    • Ampicillin and Amoxycillin exhibit potent in vitro and in vivo leptospirocidal activity.
    • Limited clinical data exists on the efficacy of Ampicillin and Amoxycillin in human leptospirosis treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Ampicillin (Semicillin) and Amoxycillin (Amoxil) in treating human Leptospira infections.
    • To compare the effectiveness of Ampicillin and Amoxycillin in reducing fever duration and preventing relapse.
    • To assess the safety and tolerability of these antibiotics in leptospirosis patients.

    Main Methods:

    • A clinical study involving 28 patients diagnosed with Leptospira infection.
    • Patients were administered either 3g of Ampicillin or 2g of Amoxycillin daily for 6 days, per os.
    • Fever duration and the occurrence of a 'second wave of fever' were recorded and compared between treatment groups.

    Main Results:

    • The average fever duration was 1.6 days for Ampicillin and 1.2 days for Amoxycillin.
    • A 'second wave of fever' occurred in 5% of Ampicillin-treated patients and 0% of Amoxycillin-treated patients.
    • These relapse rates were significantly lower compared to 22% observed with benzylpenicillin treatment.

    Conclusions:

    • Ampicillin and Amoxycillin are highly effective in treating human Leptospira infections.
    • Both antibiotics demonstrate significant leptospirocidal activity, leading to shorter fever durations and reduced relapse rates.
    • Ampicillin and Amoxycillin are strongly recommended as first-line treatments for leptospirosis.

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