Future directions in antimicrobial chemotherapy

New developments in the treatment of bacterial infections are discussed. The most important developments include oral broad-spectrum cephalosporin derivatives and extended-spectrum injectable cephalosporins with improved activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Meropenem is a new carbapenem agent with markedly improved activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Many fluoroquinolones are in various phases of development. The most interesting new compound is sparfloxacin. Azithromycin is a new macrolide which, because of its very long half-life, attains very high levels in most tissues. Potential uses of the newer agents are discussed.