In culture, novel combinations of antibiotics prove effective for Lyme disease

The authors identified, from an FDA drug library and an NCI compound library, three sulfa drugs and trimethoprim for study. “Dapsone, sulfachlorpyridazine and trimethoprim showed very similar activity against stationary phase B. burgdorferi enriched in persisters; however, sulfamethoxazole was the least active drug among the three sulfa drugs tested.” [1]

Combinations of antibiotics were more effective in eradicating B. burgdorferi in stationary phase cell culture.

• Sulfa drugs combined with other antibiotics were more active than their respective single drugs;

• Four-drug combinations were more active than three-drug combinations;

• Four-drug combinations (dapsone + minocycline + cefuroxime + azithromycin and dapsone + minocycline + cefuroxime + rifampin) showed the best activity;

• Four-sulfa-drug–containing combinations still had considerably less activity than daptomycin + cefuroxime + doxycycline used as a positive control which completely eradicated B. burgdorferi stationary phase cells.

Dapsone, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are drugs on the market for other indications. Dapsone is an antibiotic commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine for the treatment of leprosy that can lead to hemolysis, methemoglobinemiam, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, and rashes. The combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are marketed under the names Bactrim and Septra. Sulfachlorpyridazine is not currently used.

Daptomycin is used in the treatment of systemic and life-threatening infections of the skin and skin structure, such as Staph aureus bacteraemia, and right-sided Staph aureus endocarditis. It is marketed in the United States under the trade name Cubicin. Side effects include high and low blood pressure, swelling, insomnia, diarrhea, abdominal pain, eosinophilia, dyspnea, injection site reactions, fever, hypersensitivity. Rare cases of eosinophilic pneumonia have been reported. Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have occurred in patients concurrently taking statins.

The authors stressed the need for further study in vitro and in animal models.

References:

  1. Feng J, Zhang S, Shi W, Zhang Y. Activity of Sulfa Drugs and Their Combinations against Stationary Phase B. burgdorferi In Vitro. Antibiotics (Basel), 6(1) (2017).

Comments

14 responses to “In culture, novel combinations of antibiotics prove effective for Lyme disease”

  1. Allen Avatar
    Allen

    Back in 2016 I had best results with a doxycycline + azithromycin + cefuroxime combination.
    I was bit by a black legged tick in the fall 2012 and a black legged tick nymph in 2013. I became ill the first time in three months after the first bite. Never did quite feel well until an extended course of doxycycline, then an extended course of azithromycin added to that, then an extended course of cefuroxime added, all in combination. Took that combination until I presented well.

    1. I find each of the antibiotics you have taken by themselves or in combination helpful for my patients without the treatment proposed in the culture. I also find treatment for Babesia helpful.

  2. Wendy Thomas Avatar
    Wendy Thomas

    Cameron, I am newly diagnosed with Lyme, Bartonella, Mycoplasma and B. Burg. My Lyme Dr. Prescribed me Minocycline, Flagyl, Vibratabs and Valtrex, I am very ery sensitive to alot of medications and honestly I am afraid to take all of these pills. I have started a herbal protocol but it seems as though I am sensitive to some of these as well. Do you have any suggestions?

    1. I typically start slower in patients sensitive to medications. I am curious why you mentioned Minocin and Vibratabs. Vibratabs are brand name doxycycline. I would not prescribe both.

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