Immunomodulatory effects of antimicrobials in the therapy of respiratory tract infections

MJ Parnham - Current opinion in infectious diseases, 2005 - journals.lww.com
Current opinion in infectious diseases, 2005journals.lww.com
Macrolides can facilitate the killing of microorganisms in acute respiratory infections through
the stimulation of neutrophil activation. On long-term administration, anti-inflammatory, T
helper type 1 lymphocyte-enhancing and biofilm-thinning actions, among others, make
macrolides valid therapeutic options in chronic infectious/inflammatory disorders, even for
infections with microorganisms that are not completely eradicated.
Summary
Macrolides can facilitate the killing of microorganisms in acute respiratory infections through the stimulation of neutrophil activation. On long-term administration, anti-inflammatory, T helper type 1 lymphocyte-enhancing and biofilm-thinning actions, among others, make macrolides valid therapeutic options in chronic infectious/inflammatory disorders, even for infections with microorganisms that are not completely eradicated.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins