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First use of nitazoxanide in Kelleni's protocol for managing severe bronchiolitis in a 9-month-old infant: A case report and review of literature

Kelleni MT

World journal of clinical cases, 2025

Abstract

Background: Lower respiratory tract viral infections are a major cause of mortality in children under five years old, leading to hundreds of thousands of fatalities annually. The highest risk is observed in infants under one year old, underscoring the critical need for safe and effective antiviral protocols.

Case summary: A 9-month-old infant suffered from severe bronchiolitis as manifested by high fever (39 °C), decreased appetite, tachypnea, wheezing, and oxygen desaturation (SpO2 84% on room air) and was effectively managed at home using Kelleni's protocol, which includes age-adjusted dose of nitazoxanide (60 mg twice daily), ibuprofen and azithromycin, complemented by selective antihistaminic, antitussive and mucolytic immunomodulatory treatment. The fever resolved, wheezing became more prominent but without respiratory distress, and oxygen saturation gradually increased to 92% by day 10. Nitazoxanide exerts broad antiviral and immunomodulatory effects by enhancing host interferon responses and inhibiting viral replication, potentially attenuating airway inflammation and accelerating resolution of bronchiolitis. The nitazoxanide dose (60 mg twice daily for five days) was carefully adjusted based on the developmental expression and activity of the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 enzyme, responsible for its metabolism, ensuring safe age-appropriate administration. The infant's clinical status steadily improved, and by day 14 the infant achieved full…

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