In vitro activity of ceftobiprole against Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates

Sara Marti1, Javier Sánchez-Céspedes, Paula Espinal

  • 1Servei de Microbiologia, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Insights

Ceftobiprole shows promising activity against Acinetobacter baumannii, a multidrug-resistant bacterium causing hospital-acquired infections. Its effectiveness is notable, especially when the blaADC-like gene is not expressed, offering a potential new treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units.
  • Rising antimicrobial resistance in A. baumannii complicates treatment options for these severe infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of ceftobiprole against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.
  • To compare the efficacy of ceftobiprole with existing cephalosporins like ceftazidime and cefepime.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro susceptibility testing was performed on 58 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.
  • The expression levels of the blaADC-like gene were assessed in relation to antibiotic activity.

Main Results:

  • Ceftobiprole demonstrated superior in vitro activity compared to ceftazidime and cefepime against the tested A. baumannii isolates.
  • This enhanced activity was particularly evident when the blaADC-like gene was not expressed or expressed at low levels.

Conclusions:

  • Ceftobiprole represents a potential therapeutic agent for Acinetobacter baumannii infections, especially in cases with limited resistance mechanisms.
  • Further clinical investigation is warranted to confirm the efficacy of ceftobiprole in treating nosocomial infections caused by A. baumannii.