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Meropenem and imipenem activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from the MYSTIC Program

Philip J Turner1

  • 1Infection Discovery Department, AstraZeneca, SK10 4TG Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK. philip.turner@astrazeneca.com

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|October 20, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Meropenem shows activity against some imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. This study analyzed antibiotic susceptibility data from 1997-2005 to understand carbapenem effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Medical microbiology
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Clinical infectious diseases

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant opportunistic pathogen.
  • Carbapenem antibiotics, including meropenem and imipenem, are crucial for treating serious infections.
  • Rising carbapenem resistance in P. aeruginosa poses a therapeutic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro activity of meropenem and imipenem against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.
  • To specifically assess meropenem's efficacy against imipenem-resistant strains and vice versa.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of susceptibility data from the Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection program.
  • Data collected between 1997 and 2005.
  • Testing of meropenem and imipenem activity against P. aeruginosa isolates.

Main Results:

  • Meropenem demonstrated activity against a notable proportion (up to one-third) of imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains.
  • Imipenem also showed activity against some meropenem-resistant strains, though specific data not detailed here.
  • The study highlights varying susceptibility patterns between the two carbapenems.

Conclusions:

  • Meropenem may retain activity against certain imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.
  • Understanding differential carbapenem activity is vital for guiding antimicrobial therapy choices.
  • Continued surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility is essential for effective treatment strategies.

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