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Influence of pefloxacin on microbial colonization resistance in healthy volunteers
E J Vollaard1, H A Clasener, A J Janssen
1Department of Pharmacy, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The influence of pefloxacin, 400 mg twice daily for ten days, on microbial colonization resistance was investigated in six healthy volunteers. In three volunteers impairment of colonization resistance was indicated by a significant increase in the faecal concentration of yeasts. In two of them, impairment of colonization resistance was confirmed by facilitation of colonization by a challenge strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae in the early post-treatment period. It is concluded that pefloxacin impairs colonization resistance in some volunteers. However, during pefloxacin therapy, overgrowth by aerobic bacteria is prevented by the very high antimicrobial concentration in faeces, and after therapy it is prevented by rapid restoration of colonization resistance.
Insights
Peffloxacin treatment temporarily reduced the gut
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Microbial colonization resistance is crucial for gut health.
- Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota.
- Peffloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pefloxacin on microbial colonization resistance in healthy volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy volunteers received pefloxacin (400 mg twice daily for 10 days).
- Faecal yeast concentrations were measured.
- Colonization by a challenge strain of *Klebsiella pneumoniae* was assessed post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Three volunteers showed increased faecal yeast concentrations, indicating impaired colonization resistance.
- Two of these volunteers also showed facilitated *Klebsiella pneumoniae* colonization.
- High fecal pefloxacin concentrations prevented aerobic bacterial overgrowth during treatment.
Conclusions:
- Peffloxacin can impair colonization resistance in some individuals.
- Gut microbiota resistance rapidly recovers after pefloxacin therapy.
- Peffloxacin's impact on colonization resistance is transient.