Evaluation of the preventive capacities of a topically applied azithromycin formulation against Lyme borreliosis in a murine model.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Systemic antibiotic treatment of Lyme borreliosis is effective during the early stages of the infection, while chronic manifestations of the disease may remain refractory and difficult to treat. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the potential of topically applied azithromycin to eliminate the spirochaetal organisms in the skin of the freshly bitten host and thereby prevent Lyme borreliosis.

Methods

Laboratory mice were challenged with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto by needle inoculation or via infected ticks as vectors. Then, an azithromycin-containing formulation was applied once daily to the sites of exposure for three consecutive days. In the case of needle inoculation, a 5% azithromycin formulation was applied starting 1 h, 3 days and 5 days

SUBMITTER: Knauer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3215302 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature