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Veterinary microbiology1987; 14(3); 337-342; doi: 10.1016/0378-1135(87)90121-0

Use of erythromycin-rifampin combination in treatment of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia.

Abstract: The selection of lipid-soluble antibiotics capable of intracellular penetration is considered critical for the successful treatment of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia and lung abscesses in foals. Two such antibiotics: erythromycin (25 mg kg-1, three times daily) and rifampin (5 mg kg-1 twice daily) have been used in combination for this purpose at the University of Florida since 1981. Positive evidence of R. equi was present on culture of tracheal aspirates in 57 foals, most of which exhibited radiographic evidence of extensive lung abscessation. The duration of therapy ranged from 4 to 9 weeks. Mild diarrhea was sometimes noted, but was never severe enough to require the termination of therapy. No other adverse side effects were apparent. Judged by a return of chest radiographs and hematologic parameters to normal, 50 of the 57 foals were considered to have recovered from the disease; a success rate of 88%.
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Publication Date: 1987-08-01 PubMed ID: 3314109DOI: 10.1016/0378-1135(87)90121-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Clinical Trial
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article examines the efficacy of a combination treatment of erythromycin and rifampin in managing Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals. The study demonstrated an 88% success rate with this treatment approach.

Research Objectives and Methodology

  • The researchers aimed to determine if the lipid-soluble antibiotics erythromycin and rifampin, which are known for their intracellular penetration potential, could successfully treat Rhodococcus equi pneumonia and lung abscesses in foals.
  • The antibiotics were administered to foals diagnosed with R. equi pneumonia based on culture of tracheal aspirates. The foals were mostly those with radiographic indications of advanced lung abscessation.
  • The regimen was a combination of erythromycin (25 mg kg-1, thrice daily) and rifampin (5 mg kg-1, twice daily). This treatment method has been in practice at the University of Florida since 1981.

Results

  • The treatment duration varied between 4 and 9 weeks. Some cases of mild diarrhea were reported, but the reaction was never severe enough to warrant discontinuation of therapy. There were no other adverse side effects.
  • Upon the completion of therapy, recovery was primarily gauged by a return to regular chest radiographs and hematologic parameters. Based on these indicators, the researchers concluded that 50 out of the 57 foals had successfully recovered from the disease.
  • This translates to an efficacy or success rate of approximately 88%, demonstrating the potential of the erythromycin-rifampin combination therapy in treating R. equi pneumonia and lung abscesses in foals.

Significance and Implications

  • The findings of this research suggest that the combination of erythromycin and rifampin might be a viable treatment strategy for R. equi pneumonia in foals, particularly those with lung abscesses.
  • These results may also support further research into antibiotic therapies or combinations with potential intracellular activity against other bacterial infections in different hosts.

Cite This Article

APA
Hillidge CJ. (1987). Use of erythromycin-rifampin combination in treatment of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. Vet Microbiol, 14(3), 337-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-1135(87)90121-0

Publication

Veterinary microbiology
ISSN: 0378-1135
NlmUniqueID: 7705469
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 3
Pages: 337-342

Researcher Affiliations

Hillidge, C J
  • Department of Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.

MeSH Terms

  • Actinomycetales Infections / drug therapy
  • Actinomycetales Infections / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / veterinary
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Erythromycin / therapeutic use
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horse Diseases / microbiology
  • Horses
  • Pneumonia / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia / microbiology
  • Pneumonia / veterinary
  • Rhodococcus
  • Rifampin / therapeutic use

Citations

This article has been cited 35 times.
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