One of the MACROLIDES isolated from Streptomyces ambofaciens which is used under strict conditions for the treatment of TOXOPLASMOSIS.
A group of ANTIBIOTICS. The original macrolide, ERYTHROMYCIN, was discovered in the early 1950s and used successfully as an alternative to PENICILLIN. The name ‘macrolide’ derives from the molecular structure of this group, three others of which are clarithromycin, azithromycin and spiramycin. Macrolides check PROTEIN synthesis in BACTERIA and the latest ones are, like erythromycin, active against several bacterial species including gram-positive COCCI and rods. In addition, they act against Haemophilus in?uenzae. Clarithromycin is potent against Helicobacter pylori; azithromycin is e?ective against infections caused by Legionella spp. (see LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE) and GONOCOCCI. Spiramycin is a restricted-use macrolide prescribed for pregnant patients with TOXOPLASMOSIS.... macrolides
n. a disease of mammals and birds caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, which is usually transmitted to humans through ingesting undercooked meat or food or drink contaminated with the faeces of infected cats. Generally symptoms are mild (swollen lymph nodes and an influenza-like illness), but the disease can be serious in immunocompromised patients and requires treatment with a combination of *pyrimethamine and *sulfadiazine. Infection usually confers lifelong immunity. If acquired during pregnancy it can cause congenital toxoplasmosis in the unborn baby. Although most babies are unaffected or have very mild disease, some can have severe malformations of the skull and eyes or active infection in the liver. It can also cause stillbirth. Infection can be detected by blood tests in the mother; if the diagnosis is confirmed, the mother can be treated with spiramycin.... toxoplasmosis
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