Macrolides as Antivirals:
The novel antiviral mechanism of action of macrolides was discovered when a significant improvement in the survival of patients with diffuse pan-bronchiolitis (DPB) receiving low dose of Erythromycin was observed, and when their beneficial effect was found to be independent of their anti-microbial activity. Their administration was associated with reduced inflammatory response in chronic airway diseases including upper and lower respiratory tract infections (44) (45).