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The immunosuppressive effect of cephalosporins and cephalosporin-gentamicin combinations

A Forsgren1

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|October 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Most cephalosporins showed no immune effect on lymphocytes. However, ceftriaxone and combinations of certain cephalosporins with gentamicin significantly inhibited lymphocyte response in vitro.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Cephalosporins are widely used antibiotics.
  • Their potential impact on the human immune system, particularly lymphocyte function, requires thorough investigation.
  • Understanding these effects is crucial for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of 13 different cephalosporins on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
  • To assess the impact of these cephalosporins alone and in combination with gentamicin on lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA).

Main Methods:

  • Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured with various concentrations of 13 cephalosporins.
  • Cultures were also treated with cephalosporins in combination with gentamicin.
  • Lymphocyte proliferation response to PHA was measured and compared to control cultures without antibiotics.

Main Results:

  • Most cephalosporins did not exhibit significant immunoinhibitory effects at tested concentrations.
  • Ceftriaxone demonstrated statistically significant inhibition of lymphocyte response at 50 mg/l.
  • Cefamandole, cefotaxime, cefoxitin, and cephalothin, when combined with gentamicin (12 mg/l), also caused significant inhibition at 50 mg/l.
  • Observed immunosuppression varied among lymphocyte donors.

Conclusions:

  • Certain cephalosporins, notably ceftriaxone, can significantly inhibit human lymphocyte response in vitro.
  • The combination of specific cephalosporins with gentamicin may enhance this immunosuppressive effect.
  • These findings, observed at therapeutically attainable concentrations, suggest potential clinical significance regarding the immunomodulatory impact of these antibiotics.

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