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Postantibiotic leukocyte enhancement of meropenem against gram-positive and gram-negative strains
A Novelli1, S Fallani, M I Cassetta
1Dipartimento di Farmacologia Preclinica e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy. novelli@server1.pharm.unifi.it
Abstract:
The postantibiotic leukocyte enhancement (PALE) of meropenem in vitro in comparison with that of imipenem was evaluated with 24 recently isolated gram-positive and gram-negative strains. In general, pre-exposure to carbapenems (at four times the MIC for 2 h) led to increased polymorphonuclear cell phagocytic killing. The PALE of imipenem was generally significantly less than that observed with meropenem.
Insights
Meropenem demonstrated a stronger postantibiotic effect on leukocyte enhancement (PALE) than imipenem against common bacteria. This suggests meropenem may be more effective in boosting immune cell activity after antibiotic exposure.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The postantibiotic effect (PAE) describes the suppression of bacterial growth after antibiotic exposure.
- Leukocyte enhancement is a critical component of the host immune response to bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the postantibiotic leukocyte enhancement (PALE) of meropenem and imipenem in vitro.
- To evaluate the impact of carbapenem pre-exposure on polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) phagocytic activity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro evaluation of meropenem and imipenem.
- Exposure of 24 Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains to carbapenems at four times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 2 hours.
- Assessment of subsequent polymorphonuclear cell phagocytic killing.
Main Results:
- Pre-exposure to carbapenems generally enhanced polymorphonuclear cell phagocytic killing.
- Meropenem exhibited a significantly greater PALE compared to imipenem across tested bacterial strains.
Conclusions:
- Meropenem shows superior efficacy in enhancing leukocyte function post-exposure compared to imipenem.
- These findings highlight potential differences in the immunomodulatory effects of carbapenems, with implications for infection treatment strategies.