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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Use of Artificial Sputum Medium to Test Antibiotic Efficacy Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Conditions More Relevant to the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Published on: June 5, 2012
Antimicrobial use and Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility profile in a cystic fibrosis centre
Graziana Manno1, Mario Cruciani, Luca Romano
1Infectious Diseases Research and Diagnosis Laboratory, Department of Paediatrics, University of Genoa and Clinical Pathology Laboratories, G. Gaslini Research Institute, Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy. graziana@unige.it
Abstract:
The susceptibility patterns of 1315 mucoid and non-mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains from 224 patients were determined along with antibiotic utilisation in a Cystic Fibrosis Centre from 1993 to 1997. Ceftazidime was the most active agent (86.0% sensitive isolates), followed by piperacillin-tazobactam (81.7%), aztreonam (80.3%), imipenem (80%), piperacillin (76.8%), tobramycin (76.5%), ciprofloxacin (73.7%), ticarcillin (72.4%), ticarcillin-clavulanic acid (70.2%), amikacin (69.5%), netilmicin (56.5%), meropenem (79%) and imipenem (75.5%). The most frequently used compounds were nebulized colistin (mean+/-S.D., 109+/-45 defined daily doses per 1000 patients per day), followed by ciprofloxacin (98+/-8), tobramycin (55+/-9), ceftazidime (31+/-8) and amikacin (55+/-9). The mean antibiotic consumption by our CF patients was 413+/-47 defined daily doses per 1000 patients per day. Trend testing showed a significant decline of susceptibility to aminoglycosides, imipenem and ciprofloxacin, while the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to piperacillin and ceftazidime was stable.
Insights
Antibiotic susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of Cystic Fibrosis lung infections, showed declining trends for some drugs. Ceftazidime and piperacillin remained stable, indicating key treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cystic Fibrosis Research
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, contributing to chronic lung infections.
- Understanding antibiotic susceptibility patterns and utilization is crucial for effective CF patient management.
- Longitudinal data on antibiotic resistance trends in CF populations are essential for guiding treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of mucoid and non-mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in CF patients.
- To analyze antibiotic utilization patterns within a Cystic Fibrosis Centre.
- To evaluate trends in P. aeruginosa susceptibility to various antibiotics over a defined period.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1315 P. aeruginosa isolates from 224 CF patients between 1993 and 1997.
- Determination of antibiotic susceptibility using standard microbiological methods.
- Assessment of antibiotic utilization based on defined daily doses per 1000 patients per day.
Main Results:
- Ceftazidime (86.0%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (81.7%) were the most active agents against P. aeruginosa.
- Nebulized colistin and ciprofloxacin were the most frequently utilized antibiotics.
- A significant decline in susceptibility was observed for aminoglycosides, imipenem, and ciprofloxacin, while susceptibility to piperacillin and ceftazidime remained stable.
Conclusions:
- Ceftazidime and piperacillin demonstrate sustained efficacy against P. aeruginosa in CF patients.
- The observed decline in susceptibility to certain antibiotics necessitates careful monitoring and potential adjustments in treatment protocols.
- Antibiotic stewardship is critical in CF centers to preserve the effectiveness of available therapeutic options.
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