Special Investigation of Clarith/Klaricid in Patients With Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Infections

Background: The revised 2007 American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines recommend a clarithromycin-based combination therapy for treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease and stipulate approximately 1 year of continuous treatment after bacilli negative conversion. However, supporting data are insufficient.

Objectives: To obtain data on the clinical outcome of clarithromycin-based regimens by conducting a nationwide prospective study mainly of MAC lung disease.

Methods: In accordance with the guidelines, patients were enrolled in this survey according to their chest radiographic findings and microbiologic test results. They were treated with a multi-drug regimen including clarithromycin, rifampicin, and ethambutol (clarithromycin -based regimen) until bacilli negative conversion on continual treatment for 1 year. Data were collected "pre-administration," "on the bacilli negative conversion," and "at 6 months after the end of treatment."

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycoplasma infection and who are indicated for treatment with Klaricid

Exclusion criteria

• Contraindications according to the package insert
• Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any ingredient of Klaricid
• Patients who are receiving pimozide, ergot-containing products, or cisapride
• Patients who have AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)