Pharmacogenetic markers and macrolide safety in influenza patients: insights from a prospective study.

BACKGROUND

Macrolides are widely used antibiotics, but adverse drug reactions (ADRs), particularly in genetically predisposed individuals, can compromise their safety. This study examines the impact of pharmacogenetic markers on macrolide safety in participants with bacterial complications of influenza.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how polymorphisms in genes encoding transporter proteins (ABCB1) and enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP3A5) influence ADR risk during macrolide therapy.

METHODS

A prospective study included 100 participants with lower respiratory tract bacterial complications of influenza treated with azithromycin or erythromycin for five days. Genotyping targeted ABCB1 (3435C>T), CYP3A4 (C>T intron 6), and CYP3A5 (6986A>G) polymorphisms. ADRs were monitored daily and correlated with genetic markers.

RESULTS

The ABCB1 (3435C>T) polymorphism was associated with higher rates of abdominal pain and diarrhea in CT and TT genotypes (OR = 2.12, p = 0.043). The CYP3A4 (C>T intron 6) polymorphism increased ADR risk in erythromycin-treated participants (OR = 24.0, p = 0.0339). No significant effects were observed for CYP3A5 (6986A>G).

CONCLUSION

Genetic polymorphisms in ABCB1 and CYP3A4 genes predict macrolide-related ADRs. Pharmacogenetic screening could improve macrolide safety, particularly for genetically susceptible individuals.