This Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluates the Comparative Efficacy of Intravenous Meropenem Alone Versus Intravenous Meropenem Combined With Oral Azithromycin in Children Aged 6 Months to Under 5 Years Diagnosed With Blood Culture-confirmed Extensively Drug-resistant Uncomplicated Typhoid Fever

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the comparative efficacy of intravenous meropenem alone versus intravenous meropenem combined with oral azithromycin in children aged 6 months to under 5 years diagnosed with blood culture-confirmed extensively drug-resistant uncomplicated typhoid fever. A total of 90 participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either meropenem monotherapy or combination therapy. The primary outcome is time to defervescence, defined as the number of days required for body temperature to fall below 100°F and remain so for at least 48 consecutive hours after initiation of antibiotic treatment. Participants are monitored daily during hospitalization for clinical improvement and adverse drug reactions