Authors:
Wyber R, Taubert K, Marko S, Kaplan EL
Authors notes:
Global Heart. 2013;8(3):227-234
Keywords:
Rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, Benzathine penicillin G, group A streptococci, intervention
Abstract:
Benzathine penicillin G is an important antibiotic for the treatment and prevention of group A streptococcal infections associated with rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
However, as rheumatic heart disease has receded as a public health priority in most high-income settings, attention to the supply, manufacture, and accessibility of benzathine penicillin G has declined.
Concerns about the quality, efficacy, and innovation of the drug have emerged following plasma analysis and anecdotal reports from low-resource settings.
This review collates core issues in supply and delivery of benzathine penicillin G as a foundation for concerted efforts to improve global quality and access.
Opportunities for intervention and improvement are explored.