Comparative in vitro activity of cefixime, cefaclor and loracarbef against urinary pathogens

Minimum inhibitory concentrations of cefixime, cefaclor and loracarbef have been determined against 200 strains of bacteria, representing a wide selection of species causing urinary infections. Cefixime was poorly active against Gram-positive species, but was active (MIC90 less than 2 mg/l) against almost all the Gram-negative pathogens tested (except Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and particularly so against Klebsiella pneumoniae and members of the tribe Proteae. Cefaclor and loracarbef were more active against the Gram-positive species than was cefixime, but had a less broad spectrum against the Gram-negative species. Cefixime use seems more appropriate in nosocomial than in domiciliary urinary infections.