Improving adherence with antimicrobial therapy for respiratory tract infections: a discussion of directly observed therapy (DOT) and short-course therapies.

Although some of the variables associated with adherence (eg, patient age, place of residence) cannot be influenced, others are very amenable to modifications. Levels of adherence correlate with the convenience of dosage regimens, as shown in a number of clinical trials. Therefore, antimicrobial agents that are well accepted by patients should be considered whenever feasible.

Azithromycin in the treatment of Legionella pneumonia requiring hospitalization.

Azithromycin is highly active against Legionella pneumophila and has been shown to be efficacious in animal models and in clinical studies of patients with legionnaires disease. This open, prospective, multicenter trial evaluated azithromycin for the treatment of legionnaires disease. Twenty-five hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia and a positive result of a L.