Comparison of Ampicillin, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole and Rifampin therapy for Shigellosis in Admitted patients

ABSTRACT

Forty-Five cases of Shigellosis were treated with Ampicillin, TMP/SMX and Rifampin from April 1980. to November 1980. Of the 18 strains of shigellae, in-vitro sensitivity test was performed against twelve antimicrobial agents. The percentage of resistant strains was 77.8% in Ampicillin and 100% in TMP/SMX. Inhibition zone diameter by Rifampin disc was 8~10mm in all cases and clinical improvement with treatment was noted in nearly all cases, therefore we regarded inhibition zone diameter above 8mm sensitive to Rifampin. In clinical evaluation, the percentage of effectiveness by antibiotics was as follows; Ampicillin-60%, TMP/SMX-70% and Rifampin-93.3%. Rifampin appears to be the best, available drug bacteriologically and clinically for the treatment of Shilgellosis.