The activity of azithromycin against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensisand Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in the golden hamster model

Abstract

New therapeutic alternatives against leishmaniasis remain a priority. The activity of azithromycin against Leishmania(Leishmania) major has been previously demonstrated. Different responses among species of Leishmaniamake species-specific drug screening necessary. The activity of azithromycin against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensisand Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensiswas evaluated in golden hamsters infected through footpad injections of metacyclic promastigotes, and compared with untreated controls and animals treated with meglumine antimoniate. Footpad thickness, lesion cultures and dissemination sites were analyzed. Treatment of golden hamsters with oral azithromycin at 450mg/kg had no activity against infections with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. For infections due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, azithromycin demonstrated significant activity relative to untreated controls, but inferior to meglumine antimoniate, for controlling lesion size. Neither drug was able to totally eliminate parasites from the lesions. It was concluded that azithromycin has activity against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensisbut not against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensisin this model.