Amid rising ciprofloxacin resistance, CDC issues guidance for prophylaxis of meningococcal disease

Due to an increase in ciprofloxacin-resistant strains of N. meningitidis in the U.S., the use of ciprofloxacin for prophylaxis might result in failure. CDC recommends considering use of alternative antibiotics as prophylaxis for close contacts when both of the following criteria have been met in a local catchment area: 1) ≥2 invasive meningococcal disease cases caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains reported, and 2) ≥20% of invasive meningococcal disease cases are caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant strains. Recommended alternative antibiotics include: rifampin, ceftriaxone, or azithromycin.