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[Antimicrobial activities of meropenem against clinically isolated strains in 1997]
Y Suzuki1, Y Matsumoto, C Nishinari
1Section of Studies, Tokyo Clinical Research Center.
Abstract:
In order to evaluate antimicrobial activity of meropenem (MEPM), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MEPM and control drugs were determined against clinical isolates in 1997. The results were as follows; 1. Antimicrobial activities of MEPM against Gram-positive bacteria were stronger than those of cephems (CEPs) and were approximately equal to those of imipenem (IPM) and panipenem (PAPM). 2. Carbapenems showed strong antimicrobial activities against Enterobacteriaceae, Glucose non-fermentative Gram-negative rods and Bacteroides fragilis group that were multiple drug resistant including the third generation CEPs. Antimicrobial activities of MEPM against these organisms were stronger than those of IPM and PAPM. By comparing antimicrobial activities of MEPM against Gram-negative bacteria in 1997 with those obtained in 1993, increase of resistance was not observed. 3. MIC-ranges of MEPM were low against the resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to IPM and PAPM. It was considered that these resistant strains were not expressing oprD products (D2 porin protein), forming main outer membrane porin channels of carbapenems and basic amino acids.
Insights
Meropenem (MEPM) demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and resistant Gram-negative organisms. Its efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains resistant to other carbapenems was notable, indicating sustained effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Carbapenem antibiotics are crucial for treating severe bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of meropenem (MEPM) against clinical isolates.
- To compare MEPM's efficacy with other antimicrobial agents, including cephems (CEPs), imipenem (IPM), and panipenem (PAPM).
Main Methods:
- Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for MEPM and control drugs.
- Testing against a panel of clinical bacterial isolates collected in 1997.
Main Results:
- MEPM exhibited stronger activity against Gram-positive bacteria than CEPs, comparable to IPM and panipenem.
- MEPM showed potent activity against multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, glucose non-fermentative Gram-negative rods, and Bacteroides fragilis group, outperforming IPM and PAPM.
- No increase in resistance to MEPM was observed in Gram-negative bacteria between 1993 and 1997.
- MEPM displayed low MICs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains resistant to IPM and PAPM, likely due to the absence of oprD porin expression.
Conclusions:
- Meropenem possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including against resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
- MEPM is a valuable therapeutic option, particularly for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and specific Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.