Persistence of Mycoplasma genitalium Following Azithromycin Therapy
2008

Persistence of Mycoplasma genitalium Following Azithromycin Therapy

Sample size: 1851 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Catriona S. Bradshaw, Marcus Y. Chen, Christopher K. Fairley

Primary Institution: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Hypothesis

To determine clinical outcomes and cure rates for M.genitalium genital infection in men and women following azithromycin 1 g.

Conclusion

Azithromycin 1 g was associated with unacceptable rates of persistent M.genitalium infection, which could be eradicated with moxifloxacin.

Supporting Evidence

  • Of 1538 males and 313 females tested, 191 (10%) tested positive for M.genitalium.
  • 84% of individuals treated with azithromycin did not have persistence of M.genitalium.
  • Moxifloxacin was effective in eradicating persistent infection in all cases not responding to azithromycin.

Takeaway

Doctors gave a medicine called azithromycin to people with a germ called M.genitalium, but it didn't work for everyone, and some needed a different medicine to get better.

Methodology

Patients were tested for M.genitalium and treated with azithromycin, followed by a test-of-cure one month later.

Potential Biases

Risk of reinfection relies on patient report, which may be unreliable.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a specific patient population at an STD clinic, which may not be generalizable to all individuals.

Participant Demographics

1538 males and 313 females were tested.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 77–90%

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003618

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