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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
07:15
An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Effect of ceftobiprole on the normal human intestinal microflora
Tobias Bäckström1, Georgios Panagiotidis, Olof Beck
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|October 8, 2010
Summary
Ceftobiprole, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, showed no significant ecological impact on the human intestinal microflora in a 7-day study. Minor changes were observed in bacterial populations, but no harmful new bacteria emerged.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Ceftobiprole is a novel pyrrolidinone cephem antibiotic.
- It exhibits broad-spectrum activity against resistant bacteria, including MRSA and VRE.
- Understanding its impact on the gut microbiome is crucial for clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of ceftobiprole administration on the normal human intestinal microflora.
- To assess changes in bacterial populations and the emergence of resistant strains.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy subjects received intravenous ceftobiprole (500 mg every 8h for 7 days).
- Plasma and fecal samples were collected at multiple time points for drug concentration analysis and microflora assessment.
- Faecal specimens were cultured on selective and non-selective media, and isolates were identified and tested for susceptibility.
Main Results:
- Ceftobiprole plasma concentrations were measurable during infusion but not detected post-treatment.
- No ceftobiprole was detected in fecal samples throughout the study.
- Minor fluctuations in enteric bacteria, enterococci, and Candida albicans were noted, with moderate changes in bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, clostridia, and Bacteroides spp.
Conclusions:
- Ceftobiprole had no significant ecological impact on the human intestinal microflora.
- No Clostridium difficile strains or toxins were detected.
- No new colonizing bacteria resistant to ceftobiprole emerged.
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