The efficacy of a regimen comprising clarithromycin, clofazimine, and bedaquiline in a mouse model of chronic <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> lung infection.

ABSTRACT: Mycobacterium avium, a leading nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) pathogen, causes chronic pulmonary infections, particularly in individuals with underlying lung conditions or immunosuppression. Current treatments involve prolonged multidrug regimens with poor outcomes and significant side effects, highlighting the urgent need for improved therapies. Using a BALB/c mouse model of chronic M. avium pulmonary disease, we evaluated the efficacy of individual antibiotics-clarithromycin, clofazimine, and rifabutin-and combination regimens including clarithromycin + bedaquiline and clarithromycin + clofazimine + bedaquiline. Clarithromycin demonstrated potent bactericidal activity, reducing lung bacterial burden by 2.2 log₁₀ CFU, while clofazimine transitioned from bacter

SUBMITTER: Rimal B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11963545 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature