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

Core Tip

Core Tip: This report presents the first documented use of nitazoxanide incorporated within Kelleni’s protocol to manage severe bronchiolitis in a 9-month-old infant. The infant presented with SpO₂ 84% on room air, tachypnea, and diffuse wheezing which was clinically consistent with severe viral bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of infant hospitalization and mortality worldwide, with limited effective antiviral treatments. Early administration of nitazoxanide, alongside other immunomodulatory therapies, showed clinical improvement as shown with resolution of fever and progressive improvement in in all symptoms, SpO₂ rising from 84% to 92% and then 96% at full recovery in this severe case within two weeks. This approach highlights the potential to repurpose nitazoxanide and Kelleni’s protocol to safely manage severe lower viral respiratory tract infections in infants younger than one year.