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In vitro activities of meropenem and other antimicrobial agents against British meningococcal isolates
F J Abadi1, D E Yakubu, T H Pennington
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Aberdeen Medical School, Aberdeen, UK.
Abstract:
The in vitro activity of meropenem was compared with those of penicillin, ampicillin, cefuroxime, cetriaxone, cefotaxime, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, sulphadiazine and ciprofloxacin against 121 British meningococcal isolates by a microdilution method in Mueller-Hinton broth and by the E test. All meningococcal strains were susceptible to the agents except for ampicillin (88.4%), penicillin (88.4%), sulphadiazine (57.9%) and rifampicin (95%). The emergence of resistance problems among meningococcal isolates stresses the need for their constant monitoring and of the development of new agents. In this study we have shown that meropenem is highly active in vitro against Neisseria meningitidis. Recent studies have indicated that meropenem is highly active clinically and bacteriologically in the treatment of bacterial meningitis. Thus, the potentials of meropenem as meningococcal prophylactic and therapeutic agent needs to be fully evaluated.
Insights
Meropenem demonstrates high in vitro activity against Neisseria meningitidis isolates. This finding supports further evaluation of meropenem for treating bacterial meningitis and as a meningococcal prophylactic agent.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Emerging antibiotic resistance in meningococcal isolates necessitates ongoing surveillance and the development of new therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro activity of meropenem against British Neisseria meningitidis isolates.
- To compare meropenem's efficacy with other common antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Microdilution method in Mueller-Hinton broth.
- E test for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Tested 121 British meningococcal isolates.
Main Results:
- Meropenem exhibited high in vitro activity against all tested Neisseria meningitidis strains.
- Susceptibility rates varied for other antibiotics: ampicillin (88.4%), penicillin (88.4%), sulphadiazine (57.9%), and rifampicin (95%).
Conclusions:
- Meropenem shows significant potential as a therapeutic agent for bacterial meningitis.
- Further clinical and bacteriological evaluation of meropenem for meningococcal prophylaxis and treatment is warranted.