Activity of roxithromycin against respiratory pathogens
1Institute of Microbiology, University of Ancona Medical School, Italy.
Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Roxithromycin, a new macrolide antibiotic, shows similar effectiveness to erythromycin against respiratory pathogens. Notably, some erythromycin-resistant strains become susceptible to roxithromycin, indicating cross-susceptibility rather than cross-resistance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Macrolides have a long history of efficacy in treating respiratory infections.
- Roxithromycin, a derivative of erythromycin, offers enhanced stability and pharmacokinetic advantages.
- Interest is growing in roxithromycin's clinical application and comparative efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro activity of roxithromycin compared to erythromycin.
- To assess the susceptibility patterns of respiratory pathogens to both macrolides.
- To investigate potential cross-resistance or cross-susceptibility between roxithromycin and erythromycin.
Main Methods:
- Multicenter studies conducted in Italy.
- In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Comparison of roxithromycin and erythromycin activity against diverse respiratory pathogens.
Main Results:
- A high degree of overlap was observed in susceptibility between roxithromycin and erythromycin.
- A significant proportion of erythromycin-resistant strains exhibited intermediate susceptibility to roxithromycin.
- No significant cross-resistance was identified between the two macrolides.
Conclusions:
- Roxithromycin demonstrates comparable in vitro activity to erythromycin against common respiratory pathogens.
- The findings suggest cross-susceptibility rather than cross-resistance between roxithromycin and erythromycin.
- Roxithromycin represents a viable alternative for treating respiratory infections, potentially overcoming some erythromycin resistance mechanisms.
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