Comparison of rifampicin and moxifloxacin efficacy in an experimental model of animal brucellosis.

Brucellosis is an important health issue in many parts of the world and clinicians are still seeking for better treatment choices. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of moxifloxacin in an experimental brucellosis model and to compare its activity with rifampicin. Wistar albino rats infected with Brucella abortus were then randomized into 3 groups, which received rifampicin, moxifloxacin, and tap water, respectively. After 21 days, they were sacrificed and spleen, liver and blood cultures were performed. Spleen and liver cultures of all the animals yielded B. abortus in the control group, while these rates were 20% and 20% in the rifampicin group and 50% and 40% in the moxifloxacin group, respectively. The blood culture positivity was 66% in the control group and 10% in the moxifloxacin group. Blood cultures were all negative in the rifampicin group. As a conclusion, moxifloxacin might be an alternative choice in the treatment of brucellosis.