Mass Azithromycin Distribution and Community Microbiome: A Cluster-Randomized Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mass distributions of oral azithromycin have long been used to eliminate trachoma, and they are now being proposed to reduce childhood mortality. The observed benefit appears to be augmented with each additional treatment, suggesting a possible community-level effect. Here, we assess whether 2 biannual mass treatments of preschool children affect the community's gut microbiome at 6 months after the last distribution.

Methods

In this cluster-randomized controlled trial, children aged 1-60 months in the Dossa region of Niger were randomized at the village level to receive a single dose of azithromycin or placebo every 6 months. Fecal samples were collected 6 months after the second treatment for metagenomic deep sequencing. The prespecified primary outcome was the E

SUBMITTER: Doan T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6101535 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature