Erythromycin and Azithromycin are medications used in bronchiectasis and chronic respiratory diseases to prevent recurrent exacerbations. In using these medications we need to balance their benefits with the subsequent risk of developing resistant bacteria. It has been shown in previous studies that erythromycin or azithromycin resistant bacteria are present in patients taking long-term therapy with these medications. We are conducting this study to see if those resistant bacteria are also present in close contacts of patients who take erythromycin and azithromycin.
This project is funded by the NHMRC in collaboration with SAHMRI and the Mater Medical Research Institute.