Increased carriage of macrolide-resistant fecal E. coli following mass distribution of azithromycin for trachoma control.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mass drug treatment with azithromycin (MDA) is part of the WHO-endorsed 'SAFE' strategy for trachoma control in endemic communities. MDA has been associated with reduced trachoma prevalence and short-term reductions in other bacterial infections, but can also lead to increased circulation of macrolide-resistant bacteria.

Methods

We prospectively monitored macrolide resistance in fecal E. coli collected from young children participating in the PRET+ Study in rural Tanzania. MDA was administered in four villages with >10% trachoma prevalence. Four nearby communities with lower trachoma prevalence served as controls. Rectal swabs were collected during cross-sectional surveys performed at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after MDA. Fecal E. coli isolates were screened for

SUBMITTER: Seidman JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4121557 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature