Azithromycin in the treatment of chlamydial cervicitis and eradication of ureaplasma urealyticum in female lower genital tract

From May 1995 to May 1996 36 females with chlamydial cervicitis were enrolled at Bangrak Hospitals Venereal Disease Clinic in an open study to assess the efficacy and safety of a single 1-gram oral dose of azithromycin. 35 had positive C. trachomatis and one had a positive Gen-probe test. 22 returned for their first and second follow-ups and 18 came back for their final follow-up (visit 4). Eradication rate was 100% on all visits. 14 patients were excluded from the final analysis: 3 had dropped out from the beginning 10 had sexual intercourse without a condom and 1 had a positive Gen-probe test but negative C. trachomatis culture. U. urealyticum was isolated from the vaginal wall of 15 of the 36 cases and eradication rate was 0% at visit 2 and visit 4. In conclusion this study shows that a single 1-gram oral dose of azithromycin is an effective and well-tolerated alternative therapy for chlamydial cervicitis. (authors)