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Bactericidal activity of imipenem compared to erythromycin against intracellular Legionella pneumophila
J A Ramirez1, J T Summersgill, R D Miller
1Louisville Veterans Affairs Medical Centre, KY.
Abstract:
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death due to nosocomial infections with mortality ranging from 30 to 70%. Because imipenem has potent in vitro activity against virtually all major causes of nosocomial pneumonia, including P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, members of the family Enterobacteriaceae, and anaerobic organisms, it is used by many physicians as the empirical therapy of choice in severe nosocomial pneumonias. Recognition of Legionella species as nosocomial pathogens has been increasing. The incidence of Legionnaires' disease among patients with nosocomial pneumonia is reported to be as high as 30% (1), but the real prevalence is unknown. Imipenem has bactericidal activity against Legionella in vitro but has not previously been tested for efficacy against intracellular Legionellae.
Insights
Imipenem shows promise for treating nosocomial pneumonia, including Legionella infections. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy against intracellular bacteria in severe pneumonia cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Nosocomial pneumonia is a leading cause of death, with mortality rates from 30-70%.
- Imipenem exhibits broad-spectrum in vitro activity against common nosocomial pneumonia pathogens.
- Legionella species are increasingly recognized as significant nosocomial pathogens, potentially causing up to 30% of cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of imipenem against intracellular Legionella species.
- To assess imipenem's potential as an empirical therapy for severe nosocomial pneumonias, including Legionella.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of imipenem's bactericidal activity against Legionella.
- Assessment of imipenem's efficacy against intracellular Legionellae (specific methods not detailed in abstract).
Main Results:
- Imipenem demonstrated bactericidal activity against Legionella in vitro.
- Efficacy against intracellular Legionellae was not previously established.
Conclusions:
- Imipenem possesses in vitro activity against Legionella.
- Further studies are warranted to determine imipenem's clinical effectiveness against intracellular Legionella in nosocomial pneumonia.