What is the role of azithromycin (Azithromycin) as prophylaxis against salmonella lymphadenitis in children with congenital Interleukin (IL) deficiency?

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From the Guidelines

Azithromycin is not recommended as prophylaxis against salmonella lymphadenitis in children with congenital Interleukin (IL) deficiency based on the provided evidence. The evidence provided does not support the use of azithromycin for this specific indication. Instead, the guidelines recommend the use of other antibiotics such as TMP-SMZ, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, or chloramphenicol for the prevention of salmonella infections in immunocompromised individuals 1.

Key Points to Consider

  • The guidelines provided are focused on the prevention of opportunistic infections in persons infected with HIV, and do not specifically address the use of azithromycin for prophylaxis against salmonella lymphadenitis in children with congenital IL deficiency.
  • The recommended antibiotics for the prevention of salmonella infections in immunocompromised individuals do not include azithromycin 1.
  • Azithromycin may be effective against salmonella species, but its use as prophylaxis for this specific indication is not supported by the provided evidence.
  • Regular monitoring for side effects and counseling on food safety practices are important considerations for the management of immunocompromised individuals, but are not directly related to the use of azithromycin as prophylaxis against salmonella lymphadenitis.

Clinical Implications

  • Clinicians should follow established guidelines for the prevention of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals, and consider the use of recommended antibiotics for the prevention of salmonella infections.
  • The use of azithromycin as prophylaxis against salmonella lymphadenitis in children with congenital IL deficiency should be approached with caution, and only considered in consultation with a specialist and based on individual patient needs.

From the Research

Azithromycin as Prophylaxis against Salmonella Lymphadenitis

  • The use of azithromycin as prophylaxis against salmonella lymphadenitis in children with congenital Interleukin (IL) deficiency is not directly addressed in the provided studies.
  • However, studies have shown that azithromycin is effective against Salmonella infections, including typhoid fever 2, 3.
  • Azithromycin has been shown to be effective in treating uncomplicated typhoid fever in children and adolescents, with a cure rate of 94% 3.
  • The susceptibility of Salmonella isolates to azithromycin has been studied, and most isolates have been found to be susceptible, with MICs ≤16mg/L 4.
  • In a study of experimental Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice, azithromycin was found to be as effective as ciprofloxacin in reducing mortality and splenic viable counts 2.

Considerations for IL Deficiency

  • Children with congenital IL deficiency, such as IL-12Rβ1 deficiency, are at increased risk of recurrent salmonellosis 5.
  • The use of azithromycin as prophylaxis in these patients may be considered, given its efficacy against Salmonella infections.
  • However, the optimal dosage and duration of azithromycin prophylaxis in this population are not established, and further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness and safety 6, 5, 4, 2, 3.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Short-course azithromycin for the treatment of uncomplicated typhoid fever in children and adolescents.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2004

Research

Recurrent Salmonellosis in a Child with Complete IL-12Rβ1 Deficiency.

Journal of immunodeficiency & disorders, 2014

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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