Comparative trial of tetracycline-streptomycin versus doxycycline-rifampin in treatment of our brucellosis cases

Abstract

The best treatment regimen of brucellosis is not clearly determined. In this study, the efficacy and safely of tetracycline + streptomycin combination(group 1)were compared with doxycycline + rifampin(group2).42 patients were enrolled in the study.22(52%)patients received tetracycline(2 g/day,PO 6 weeks)+ streptomycin(1 g/day,IM,3 weeks), and 20(48%)patients were treated with doxycycline(200 m/day,PO,6 weeks)(+) rifampin(600 mg/day,PO,6 weeks). There was no therapeutic failure in both groups. All patients became afebrile within 7 days. The relapses at 18 months of follow up were 2(9%)in group 1 and 1(5%)in group 2,respectively. No statistically significant difference was present between the two treatment results(p>0.05). These results suggest that clinical response rates are high and relapses are low in both groups. Doxycycline + rifampin therapy for 6 weeks is as effective as tile classic tetracycline + streptomycin therapy in brucellosis.