Steven L Taylor, Lex E X Leong, Fredrick M Mobegi, Jocelyn M Choo, Steve Wesselingh, Ian A Yang, John W Upham, Paul N Reynolds, Sandra Hodge, Alan L James, Christine Jenkins, Matthew J Peters, Melissa Baraket, Guy B Marks, Peter G Gibson, Geraint B Rogers, Jodie L Simpson
Rationale: The macrolide antibiotic azithromycin reduces exacerbations in adults with persistent symptomatic asthma. However, owing to the pleotropic properties of macrolides, unintended bacteriological consequences such as augmented pathogen colonization or dissemination of antibiotic-resistant organisms can occur, calling into question the long-term safety of azithromycin maintenance therapy. Objectives: To assess the effects of azithromycin on the airway microbiota, pathogen abundance, and carriage of antibiotic resistance genes...
August 1, 2019: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine