Study of How Doxycycline and Azithromycin Clear Rickettsia Bacteria in Adults with Murine or Scrub Typhus

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying murine typhus and scrub typhus, infectious diseases caused by bacteria transmitted by fleas and mites. These diseases can be difficult to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms and limited diagnostic tools. The trial aims to evaluate early clearance of these bacteria from the blood in patients treated with two antibiotics, doxycycline and azithromycin, to better understand treatment responses and bacterial load relationships. Participants will receive either doxycycline or azithromycin followed by doxycycline. Doxycycline treatment involves a 200-mg loading dose and then 100 mg every 12 hours for 3 days, while azithromycin is given with a 500-mg loading dose followed by 250 mg daily for 2 days, then switched to doxycycline. The study compares these regimens and monitors drug levels in blood and cells over time to assess how the bacteria clear during treatment. During the study, participants will have blood samples taken frequently within 72 hours after treatment to measure bacterial DNA using PCR. Researchers will also track drug levels in plasma and blood cells for up to two weeks. Other assessments include fever clearance time, safety monitoring up to 28 days, and evaluating new rapid diagnostic tests. Participants will remain hospitalized for at least 36 hours and return for follow-up visits as scheduled to complete the study procedures.

Rickettsia Clearance Study