Serum levels of neopterin during antimicrobial treatment for Mycobacterium ulcerans infection

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Sep;89(3):498-500. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0599. Epub 2013 Jul 8.

Abstract

Neopterin is closely associated with activation of the cellular immune system. Neopterin levels differed between controls and patients with Buruli ulcer disease. No differences between patients with or without paradoxical responses were observed. Therefore, neopterin has no value in detecting paradoxical responses among patients with limited Buruli ulcer disease. Neopterin levels were lower in patients receiving clarithromycin. This finding might indicate a slower cellular immune recovery, with possible consequences in future therapy with clarithromycin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Buruli Ulcer / drug therapy*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium ulcerans / drug effects
  • Neopterin / blood*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Neopterin
  • Clarithromycin