Abstract
In vitro susceptibilities of Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia conorii to roxithromycin, pristinamycin, and the pristinamycin compounds, P1 and P2, were determined by a dye uptake assay and a plaque assay. The MICs were 1 microgram/ml for roxithromycin, 2 micrograms/ml for pristinamycin, greater than 256 micrograms/ml for P1, and 2 micrograms/ml for P2. Compounds P1 and P2 did not share synergetic activity. The toxicity of each compound was determined by a dye uptake assay. Toxic concentrations were 128 micrograms/ml for roxithromycin, 32 micrograms/ml for pristinamycin, greater than 256 micrograms/ml for P1, and 32 micrograms/ml for P2. Roxithromycin and pristinamycin could be useful in the treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Mediterranean spotted fever.