Azithromycin as the first-line treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU): a study of follow-up rates, contact attendance and patients' treatment preference.

AIMS: To identify any differences in follow-up rates or sexual contact attendance rates in men presenting with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) after treatment by single dose azithromycin rather than longer standard duration therapies and to identify patients' treatment preferences.

METHODS

A prospective study was performed on 200 consecutive men attending a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic with new episode, microscopically confirmed NGU. The first 100 patients were treated with standard duration therapy (Group S) whilst the second 100 patients received a single 1 g oral dose of azithromycin (Group A). Patient-led contact tracing was arranged and patients were asked to return for review when a test of cure was performed, contact attendance noted and the patient's treatment preference ascertained.

RESULTS

Both groups were predominantly heterosexual and over 60% gave a history of previous sexually transmitted disease (STD). There were no significant differences in efficacy between Groups S and A. However, the index follow-up rate and percentage of traceable sexual contacts attending was higher in Group A. In both groups contacts of homosexual men were more likely to attend the GUM clinic. More additional visits were made by Group S due to mislaid medication or compliance problems. Over 70% of patients questioned expressed a preference for single dose therapy.

CONCLUSION

Single dose therapy with 1 g of azithromycin is as efficacious as longer duration therapies with advantages in patient follow-up rates and contact attendance and for the majority of patients would be their treatment of choice. A cost analysis supports the practical application of this regimen.