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European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Dec 2020The Strategic Plan for Biodefense Research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services demarcates the need for drugs which target multiple types of pathogens to... (Review)
Review
The Strategic Plan for Biodefense Research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services demarcates the need for drugs which target multiple types of pathogens to prepare for infectious threats. Azithromycin is one such broad-spectrum therapeutic that is both included in the University of Oxford's RECOVERY and excluded from the World Health Organization's SOLIDARITY trials. Here we review azithromycin's broad antibiotic, antimalarial, antiviral pharmacology and contextualise it against a broader history as the most repositioned therapeutic of the macrolide class; we further evaluate azithromycin's clinical and socio-economic propriety for respiratory pandemics and delineate a model for its combinatorial mechanism of action against COVID-19 pneumonia.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Azithromycin; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Cell Line, Tumor; Coronavirus Infections; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Macrophages; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 32871342
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112739 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Mar 2021Azithromycin (AZM) is a synthetic macrolide antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacterial and mycobacterial infections. Due to an additional range of... (Review)
Review
Azithromycin (AZM) is a synthetic macrolide antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacterial and mycobacterial infections. Due to an additional range of anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, it has been given to patients with the coronaviruses SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV. It is now being investigated as a potential candidate treatment for SARS-CoV-2 having been identified as a candidate therapeutic for this virus by both in vitro and in silico drug screens. To date there are no randomised trial data on its use in any novel coronavirus infection, although a large number of trials are currently in progress. In this review, we summarise data from in vitro, murine and human clinical studies on the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties of macrolides, particularly AZM. AZM reduces in vitro replication of several classes of viruses including rhinovirus, influenza A, Zika virus, Ebola, enteroviruses and coronaviruses, via several mechanisms. AZM enhances expression of anti-viral pattern recognition receptors and induction of anti-viral type I and III interferon responses. Of relevance to severe coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19), which is characterised by an over-exuberant innate inflammatory response, AZM also has anti-inflammatory properties including suppression of IL-1beta, IL-2, TNF and GM-CSF. AZM inhibits T cells by inhibiting calcineurin signalling, mammalian target of rapamycin activity and NFκB activation. AZM particularly targets granulocytes where it concentrates markedly in lysosomes, particularly affecting accumulation, adhesion, degranulation and apoptosis of neutrophils. Given its proven safety, affordability and global availability, tempered by significant concerns about antimicrobial stewardship, there is an urgent mandate to perform well-designed and conducted randomised clinical trials.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Azithromycin; Humans; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 32969125
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2163 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Aug 2011Acute exacerbations adversely affect patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Macrolide antibiotics benefit patients with a variety of inflammatory... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Acute exacerbations adversely affect patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Macrolide antibiotics benefit patients with a variety of inflammatory airway diseases.
METHODS
We performed a randomized trial to determine whether azithromycin decreased the frequency of exacerbations in participants with COPD who had an increased risk of exacerbations but no hearing impairment, resting tachycardia, or apparent risk of prolongation of the corrected QT interval.
RESULTS
A total of 1577 subjects were screened; 1142 (72%) were randomly assigned to receive azithromycin, at a dose of 250 mg daily (570 participants), or placebo (572 participants) for 1 year in addition to their usual care. The rate of 1-year follow-up was 89% in the azithromycin group and 90% in the placebo group. The median time to the first exacerbation was 266 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 227 to 313) among participants receiving azithromycin, as compared with 174 days (95% CI, 143 to 215) among participants receiving placebo (P<0.001). The frequency of exacerbations was 1.48 exacerbations per patient-year in the azithromycin group, as compared with 1.83 per patient-year in the placebo group (P=0.01), and the hazard ratio for having an acute exacerbation of COPD per patient-year in the azithromycin group was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.84; P<0.001). The scores on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (on a scale of 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating better functioning) improved more in the azithromycin group than in the placebo group (a mean [±SD] decrease of 2.8±12.8 vs. 0.6±11.4, P=0.004); the percentage of participants with more than the minimal clinically important difference of -4 units was 43% in the azithromycin group, as compared with 36% in the placebo group (P=0.03). Hearing decrements were more common in the azithromycin group than in the placebo group (25% vs. 20%, P=0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
Among selected subjects with COPD, azithromycin taken daily for 1 year, when added to usual treatment, decreased the frequency of exacerbations and improved quality of life but caused hearing decrements in a small percentage of subjects. Although this intervention could change microbial resistance patterns, the effect of this change is not known. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00325897.).
Topics: Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Bacterial Infections; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; Humans; Macrolides; Male; Middle Aged; Nasopharynx; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 21864166
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1104623 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Sep 2016The addition of azithromycin to standard regimens for antibiotic prophylaxis before cesarean delivery may further reduce the rate of postoperative infection. We... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The addition of azithromycin to standard regimens for antibiotic prophylaxis before cesarean delivery may further reduce the rate of postoperative infection. We evaluated the benefits and safety of azithromycin-based extended-spectrum prophylaxis in women undergoing nonelective cesarean section.
METHODS
In this trial conducted at 14 centers in the United States, we studied 2013 women who had a singleton pregnancy with a gestation of 24 weeks or more and who were undergoing cesarean delivery during labor or after membrane rupture. We randomly assigned 1019 to receive 500 mg of intravenous azithromycin and 994 to receive placebo. All the women were also scheduled to receive standard antibiotic prophylaxis. The primary outcome was a composite of endometritis, wound infection, or other infection occurring within 6 weeks.
RESULTS
The primary outcome occurred in 62 women (6.1%) who received azithromycin and in 119 (12.0%) who received placebo (relative risk, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38 to 0.68; P<0.001). There were significant differences between the azithromycin group and the placebo group in rates of endometritis (3.8% vs. 6.1%, P=0.02), wound infection (2.4% vs. 6.6%, P<0.001), and serious maternal adverse events (1.5% vs. 2.9%, P=0.03). There was no significant between-group difference in a secondary neonatal composite outcome that included neonatal death and serious neonatal complications (14.3% vs. 13.6%, P=0.63).
CONCLUSIONS
Among women undergoing nonelective cesarean delivery who were all receiving standard antibiotic prophylaxis, extended-spectrum prophylaxis with adjunctive azithromycin was more effective than placebo in reducing the risk of postoperative infection. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; C/SOAP ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01235546 .).
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Azithromycin; Cesarean Section; Endometritis; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Puerperal Infection; Sepsis; Surgical Wound Infection; Survival Analysis; Young Adult
PubMed: 27682034
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1602044 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Mar 2023The appropriate antibiotic treatment for severe scrub typhus, a neglected but widespread reemerging zoonotic infection, is unclear. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The appropriate antibiotic treatment for severe scrub typhus, a neglected but widespread reemerging zoonotic infection, is unclear.
METHODS
In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, we compared the efficacy of intravenous doxycycline, azithromycin, or a combination of both in treating severe scrub typhus. Patients who were 15 years of age or older with severe scrub typhus with at least one organ involvement were enrolled. The patients were assigned to receive a 7-day course of intravenous doxycycline, azithromycin, or both (combination therapy). The primary outcome was a composite of death from any cause at day 28, persistent complications at day 7, and persistent fever at day 5.
RESULTS
Among 794 patients (median age, 48 years) who were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis, complications included those that were respiratory (in 62%), hepatic (in 54%), cardiovascular (in 42%), renal (in 30%), and neurologic (in 20%). The use of combination therapy resulted in a lower incidence of the composite primary outcome than the use of doxycycline (33% and 47%, respectively), for a risk difference of -13.3 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], -21.6 to -5.1; P = 0.002). The incidence with combination therapy was also lower than that with azithromycin (48%), for a risk difference of -14.8 percentage points (95% CI, -23.1 to -6.5; P<0.001). No significant difference was seen between the azithromycin and doxycycline groups (risk difference, 1.5 percentage points; 95% CI, -7.0 to 10.0; P = 0.73). The results in the per-protocol analysis were similar to those in the primary analysis. Adverse events and 28-day mortality were similar in the three groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Combination therapy with intravenous doxycycline and azithromycin was a better therapeutic option for the treatment of severe scrub typhus than monotherapy with either drug alone. (Funded by the India Alliance and Wellcome Trust; INTREST Clinical Trials Registry-India number, CTRI/2018/08/015159.).
Topics: Animals; Humans; Middle Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Doxycycline; Scrub Typhus; Zoonoses; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Administration, Intravenous
PubMed: 36856615
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2208449 -
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis Jun 2022Azithromycin (AZM), sold under the name Zithromax, is classified as a macrolide. It has many benefits due to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Azithromycin (AZM), sold under the name Zithromax, is classified as a macrolide. It has many benefits due to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. This review aims to study different clinical and biochemisterial aspects and properties of this drug which has a priority based on literature published worldwide.
METHODS
Several databases including Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus were searched to obtain the relevant studies.
RESULTS
AZM mechanism of action including the inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis, inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production, inhibition of neutrophil infestation, and macrophage polarization alteration, gives it the ability to act against a wide range of microorganisms. Resistant organisms are spreading and being developed because of the irrational use of the drug in the case of dose and duration. AZM shows synergistic effects with other drugs against a variety of organisms. This macrolide is considered a valuable antimicrobial agent because of its use as a treatment for a vast range of diseases such as asthma, bronchiolitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, enteric infections, STIs, and periodontal infections.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows an increasing global prevalence of AZM resistance. Thus, synergistic combinations are recommended to treat different pathogens. Moreover, continuous monitoring of AZM resistance by registry centers and the development of more rapid diagnostic assays are urgently needed.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Bacterial Proteins; Cystic Fibrosis; Humans
PubMed: 35447019
DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24427 -
JAMA Mar 2023Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. New interventions are needed to decrease neonatal sepsis and mortality in regions with highest burden. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality. New interventions are needed to decrease neonatal sepsis and mortality in regions with highest burden.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of intrapartum azithromycin to reduce neonatal sepsis or mortality, as well as neonatal and maternal infections.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial enrolled and followed up birthing parents and their infants at 10 health facilities in The Gambia and Burkina Faso, West Africa, between October 2017 and May 2021.
INTERVENTIONS
Participants were assigned at random to receive oral azithromycin (2 g) or placebo (ratio 1:1) during labor.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was a composite of neonatal sepsis or mortality, with the former defined based on microbiologic or clinical criteria. Secondary outcomes were neonatal infections (skin, umbilical, eye and ear infections), malaria, and fever; postpartum infections (puerperal sepsis, mastitis), fever, and malaria; and use of antibiotics during 4-week follow-up.
RESULTS
The trial randomized 11 983 persons in labor (median age, 29.9 years). Overall, 225 newborns (1.9% of 11 783 live births) met the primary end point. The incidence of neonatal mortality or sepsis was similar in the azithromycin and placebo groups (2.0% [115/5889] vs 1.9% [110/5894]; risk difference [RD], 0.09 [95% CI, -0.39 to 0.57]), as was the incidence of neonatal mortality (0.8% vs 0.8%; RD, 0.04 [95% CI, -0.27 to 0.35]) and neonatal sepsis (1.3% vs 1.3%; RD, 0.02 [95% CI, -0.38 to 0.43]). Newborns in the azithromycin group compared with the placebo group had lower incidence of skin infections (0.8% vs 1.7%; RD, -0.90 [95% CI, -1.30 to -0.49]) and need for antibiotics (6.2% vs 7.8%; RD, -1.58 [95% CI, -2.49 to -0.67]). Postpartum parents in the azithromycin group had lower incidence of mastitis (0.3% vs 0.5%; RD, -0.24 [95% CI, -0.47 to -0.01]) and puerperal fever (0.1% vs 0.3%; RD, -0.19 [95% CI, -0.36 to -0.01]).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Azithromycin administered orally during labor did not reduce neonatal sepsis or mortality. These results do not support routine introduction of oral intrapartum azithromycin for this purpose.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03199547.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Azithromycin; Labor, Obstetric; Neonatal Sepsis; Double-Blind Method; Administration, Oral; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 36881034
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2022.24388 -
Blood Dec 2022Administration of azithromycin after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies has been associated with relapse in a randomized... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Administration of azithromycin after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies has been associated with relapse in a randomized phase 3 controlled clinical trial. Studying 240 samples from patients randomized in this trial is a unique opportunity to better understand the mechanisms underlying relapse, the first cause of mortality after transplantation. We used multi-omics on patients' samples to decipher immune alterations associated with azithromycin intake and post-transplantation relapsed malignancies. Azithromycin was associated with a network of altered energy metabolism pathways and immune subsets, including T cells biased toward immunomodulatory and exhausted profiles. In vitro, azithromycin exposure inhibited T-cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells and impaired T-cell metabolism through glycolysis inhibition, down-regulation of mitochondrial genes, and up-regulation of immunomodulatory genes, notably SOCS1. These results highlight that azithromycin directly affects immune cells that favor relapse, which raises caution about long-term use of azithromycin treatment in patients at high risk of malignancies. The ALLOZITHRO trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01959100.
Topics: Humans; Azithromycin; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Neoplasms; Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 35984904
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016926 -
Pharmacological Reports : PR Dec 2021In December 2019, a new variant coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in China, which was initially described as a pneumonia of an unknown agent. The new coronavirus spreads... (Review)
Review
In December 2019, a new variant coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in China, which was initially described as a pneumonia of an unknown agent. The new coronavirus spreads mainly by person-to-person transmission through close contact. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 is related to a complex immune system response that varies between people and, in severe cases of the disease, is characterized by excessive responses called "cytokine storms," which are associated with complications that can lead to a state of hypercoagulation and death. Glucocorticoids and azithromycin are drugs that may be effective in the treatment. This review aims to highlight the clinical findings that demonstrate the effectiveness of glucocorticoid and azithromycin therapy in the treatment of COVID-19. To date, many drugs have been studied for use in combination therapy, and the rapid expansion of knowledge about the virology of SARS-CoV-2 generates a more accurate direction in therapy.
Topics: Azithromycin; COVID-19; Drug Combinations; Glucocorticoids; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34085181
DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00286-4 -
European Journal of Pharmacology Aug 2021Azithromycin, a member of the macrolide family of antibiotics, is commonly used to treat respiratory bacterial infections. Nevertheless, multiple pharmacological effects... (Review)
Review
Azithromycin, a member of the macrolide family of antibiotics, is commonly used to treat respiratory bacterial infections. Nevertheless, multiple pharmacological effects of the drug have been revealed in several investigations. Conceivably, the immunomodulatory properties of azithromycin are among its critical features, leading to its application in treating inflammatory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, azithromycin may directly inhibit viral load as well as its replication, or it could demonstrate indirect inhibitory impacts that might be associated with the expression of antiviral genes. Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an extra urgent issue affecting the entire world, and it is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is associated with hyper inflammation due to cytokine release, is among the leading causes of death in COVID-19 patients with critical conditions. The present paper aims to review the immunomodulatory and antiviral properties of azithromycin as well as its potential clinical applications in the management of COVID-19 patients.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Azithromycin; COVID-19; Humans; Immunologic Factors; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34015317
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174191