FIG 2.

Microbiological outcome in study 1. Mice were infected with 2.71 ± 0.93 log₁₀ CFU/footpad of M. ulcerans into both hind footpads. After 6 weeks of incubation, treatment was initiated (D0). At this time point, the CFU mean (± standard deviation [SD]) equaled 5.42 (±0.56). Groups of mice were sacrificed at week 1, week 2, and week 4, and footpads (n = 6) were dissected, minced, and plated on 7H11 selective agar for colony counting and CFU analysis. For statistical analysis, all test regimens were compared to R₁₀C₁₀₀ controls. (A) After 1 week of treatment, all Q203-containing regimens, except Q₁₀ given alone, were significantly better than controls, with R₁₀Q₁₀ (P < 0.0001) and R₂₀Q₁₀ (P < 0.001) showing the best activity. (B) At week 2, most footpads in mice treated with Q203-containing regimens were culture negative and significantly better than R₁₀C₁₀₀ (P ≤ 0.0008). At week 4, none of the mice in the combination treatment groups, including R₁₀C₁₀₀ controls, were culture positive (data not shown). Monotherapy regimens were not tested at this time point. Numbers in subscript after drugs indicate doses in mg/kg. D, day; UT, untreated; R, rifampin; C, clarithromycin; Q, Q203/Telacebec; NT, not tested. Dashed line indicates the pretreatment CFU at D0. Horizontal lines indicate median values.