Efficacy of ampicillin versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in a mouse model of lethal enterococcal peritonitis

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C E Chenoweth1, K A Robinson, D R Schaberg

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|September 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Ampicillin therapy was more effective than trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in treating lethal enterococcal peritonitis in mice. Ampicillin significantly reduced bacterial load and mortality compared to TMP-SMX.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Enterococcal peritonitis is a severe infection with high mortality.
  • Antimicrobial resistance necessitates evaluating treatment efficacy.
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and ampicillin are common antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of ampicillin and TMP-SMX in treating lethal enterococcal peritonitis in a murine model.
  • To assess the impact of these antibiotics on bacterial load and survival rates.

Main Methods:

  • A lethal enterococcal peritonitis model was established in mice.
  • Mice were treated with either ampicillin or TMP-SMX.
  • Bacterial counts in peritoneal fluid and animal mortality were measured.

Main Results:

  • Ampicillin treatment resulted in a 10(3)-CFU/mL decrease in enterococci in peritoneal fluid compared to TMP-SMX.
  • Mortality rates were 40% for ampicillin, 95% for TMP-SMX, and 100% for untreated controls.
  • Therapeutic levels of both antibiotics were confirmed in serum and peritoneal fluid.

Conclusions:

  • Ampicillin demonstrates superior efficacy over TMP-SMX in managing experimental enterococcal peritonitis.
  • These findings suggest ampicillin as a potentially more effective treatment option for similar infections.

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