Effects of erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin and azithromycin on murine gut colonization by Candida albicans

Med Mycol. 2002 Apr;40(2):139-42. doi: 10.1080/mmy.40.2.139.142.

Abstract

Male Crl:CD1(ICR) BR mice were fed either chow containing Candida albicans or regular chow. The gastrointestinal tract of the C. albicans-fed mice was permanently colonized by the yeast. Groups of C. albicans-colonized mice were subsequently treated either with a macrolide (erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin or azithromycin) for 10 days or a normal saline solution (controls). Other controls included non-colonized mice receiving the same antibiotics or a saline solution. Our data are as follows: (i) C. albicans-colonized mice treated with each macrolide had highly significant increase in colony counts of C. albicans in their stools compared to C. albicans-colonized mice treated with saline only; (ii) discontinuation of macrolide treatment showed a trend towards lower colony counts, which was not statistically significant (colony counts were sustained even after discontinuation of antibiotic treatment); (iii) dissemination of C. albicans did not occur; (iv) mice fed regular chow treated with the study drugs or saline did not have any yeasts in their stools. In conclusion, oral erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin and azithromycin cause a modest increase of the C. albicans concentration of the gastrointestinal tract. This increase is not associated with a higher risk of disseminated candidiasis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Azithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Candida albicans / drug effects*
  • Candidiasis / microbiology
  • Candidiasis / prevention & control*
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Digestive System / drug effects
  • Digestive System / microbiology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use*
  • Erythromycin / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Roxithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Roxithromycin
  • Erythromycin
  • Azithromycin
  • Clarithromycin