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. 2013;7(1):e2010.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002010. Epub 2013 Jan 24.

Towards rational use of antibiotics for suspected secondary infections in Buruli ulcer patients

Yves T Barogui  1 , Sandor Klis, Honoré Sourou Bankolé, Ghislain E Sopoh, Solomon Mamo, Lamine Baba-Moussa, Willem L Manson, Roch Christian Johnson, Tjip S van der Werf, Ymkje Stienstra
Affiliations

Towards rational use of antibiotics for suspected secondary infections in Buruli ulcer patients

Yves T Barogui et al. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2013.

Abstract

Background: The emerging disease Buruli ulcer is treated with streptomycin and rifampicin and surgery if necessary. Frequently other antibiotics are used during treatment.

Methods/principal findings: Information on prescribing behavior of antibiotics for suspected secondary infections and for prophylactic use was collected retrospectively. Of 185 patients that started treatment for Buruli ulcer in different centers in Ghana and Bénin 51 were admitted. Forty of these 51 admitted patients (78%) received at least one course of antibiotics other than streptomycin and rifampicin during their hospital stay. The median number (IQR) of antibiotic courses for admitted patients was 2 (1, 5). Only twelve patients received antibiotics for a suspected secondary infection, all other courses were prescribed as prophylaxis of secondary infections extended till 10 days on average after excision, debridement or skin grafting. Antibiotic regimens varied considerably per indication. In another group of BU patients in two centers in Bénin, superficial wound cultures were performed. These cultures from superficial swabs represented bacteria to be expected from a chronic wound, but 13 of the 34 (38%) S. aureus were MRSA.

Conclusions/significance: A guide for rational antibiotic treatment for suspected secondary infections or prophylaxis is needed. Adherence to the guideline proposed in this article may reduce and tailor antibiotic use other than streptomycin and rifampicin in Buruli ulcer patients. It may save costs, reduce toxicity and limit development of further antimicrobial resistance. This topic should be included in general protocols on the management of Buruli ulcer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Suggested guideline for use of antibiotics in prophylaxis and suspected secondary infections.
* Ciprofloxacin is not generally recommended for use in children, but appears relatively safe .
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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