Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 1, 2026

A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii
09:17

A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii

Published on: January 2, 2017

Imipenem in acute lung infections and bacterial re-exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease

E Pozzi1, V De Rose

  • 1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Italy.

Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Imipenem, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, shows promise for treating lower respiratory tract infections, especially in complex cases like hospital-acquired infections and those in immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) present evolving epidemiological challenges.
  • Bacterial re-exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) are a significant concern.
  • The need for effective antibiotics against resistant pathogens is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the epidemiology of LRTIs.
  • To evaluate the role of imipenem in treating acute lung infections and bacterial COPD exacerbations.
  • To define appropriate clinical scenarios for imipenem use.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on LRTIs.
  • Analysis of imipenem's antibacterial spectrum and stability against beta-lactamases.
  • Assessment of imipenem's pharmacokinetic properties.
  • Clinical case review and literature synthesis.

Main Results:

  • Imipenem exhibits broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive, gram-negative, aerobic, and anaerobic bacteria.
  • It demonstrates stability against various beta-lactamases.
  • Pharmacokinetic properties support its use in treating LRTIs.

Conclusions:

  • Imipenem is a valuable therapeutic option for LRTIs due to its broad activity and stability.
  • Its use should be prioritized for nosocomial infections with resistant gram-negative aerobes.
  • Consider imipenem for mixed aerobic/anaerobic infections and as empirical therapy in immunocompromised patients.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Inhaled Medications01:23

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...