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Published on: June 5, 2012
[Investigation of the antibacterial activity of faropenem against Streptococcus pneumoniae]
H Hanaki1, Y Inaba, K Hiramatsu
1Dept. Bacteriology, Juntendo-Univ., Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
We evaluated the antibacterial activity of faropenem against penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PSSP) and penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP). It was shown that the minimum inhibitory concentrations against 90% of the clinically isolated strains (MIC90) of faropenem, penicillin G, cefaclor, cefcapene, and cefditoren against PSSP were 0.032, 0.063, 2, 0.25, and 0.125 micrograms/ml, respectively. While those against PRSP were 0.5, 2, > 128, 1, and 1 micrograms/ml, respectively. Furthermore, we evaluated the bactericidal activity, at the level of 1/4, 1, and 4 MIC, of faropenem and the above four reference antibacterial agents against PSSP and PRSP. Against PSSP No. 127, a sensitive strain to both penicillin G and cefcapene, faropenem showed almost the same bactericidal activity as those of reference agents. Against PSSP No. 108, a penicillin-susceptible and cephem-resistant strain, and PRSP No. 57, a resistant strain to both of penicillin and cephem, faropenem of 1 MIC showed bactericidal activity, but reference agents needed 4 MIC to show bactericidal activity.
Insights
Faropenem demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against both penicillin-susceptible and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains. It exhibits strong bactericidal effects, often requiring lower concentrations than reference antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial infections.
- Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) poses a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Novel antibiotics with broad-spectrum activity are crucial for combating resistant strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and bactericidal activities of faropenem.
- To compare faropenem's efficacy against penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP) and PRSP.
- To assess faropenem's performance relative to established antibiotics like penicillin G, cefaclor, cefcapene, and cefditoren.
Main Methods:
- Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC90) were determined for faropenem and reference agents against clinical isolates of PSSP and PRSP.
- Bactericidal activity was assessed at 1/4, 1, and 4 times the MIC.
- Comparative analysis of bactericidal kinetics was performed.
Main Results:
- Faropenem exhibited low MIC90 values against PSSP (0.032 µg/ml) and PRSP (0.5 µg/ml).
- Against PSSP, faropenem displayed comparable bactericidal activity to reference agents.
- Faropenem demonstrated potent bactericidal activity against resistant strains at 1 MIC, whereas reference agents required 4 MIC.
Conclusions:
- Faropenem possesses significant antibacterial and bactericidal efficacy against both susceptible and resistant strains of S. pneumoniae.
- Its effectiveness against resistant strains suggests potential as a valuable therapeutic option.
- Further clinical investigation of faropenem is warranted for treating pneumococcal infections.

