New perspectives on macrolide antibiotics.

Macrolides are not used exclusively for the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections. Their ability to penetrate cells makes them highly suitable for the treatment of diseases caused by intracellular pathogens, such as non-gonococcal urethritis and trachoma. Azithromycin is approved for these indications. Clinical studies have also been conducted, or are currently being carried out, to assess the use of macrolides in the treatment of atherosclerosis, eradication of Helicobacter pylori and the management of life-threatening gastrointestinal diseases, cystic fibrosis and malaria.