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[In vitro activity of ampicillin and ampicillin-sulbactam on diverse bacteria]
Abstract:
A foremost mechanism of bacterial resistance to penicillin and its derivatives is the chromosomal or plasmid mediated production of B-lactamase. Inhibitors of these enzymes like sulbactam may help overcome this problem. We tested the in vitro activity of ampicillin alone or in association with sulbactam (1:1 ratio) against enterobacteriaceae, aeromonae, Hemophilus influenzae, staphylococci and Streptococcus fecalis, isolated from patients suffering different infectious diseases. The Kirby-Bauer method was used to evaluate susceptibility and MIC was determined by agar dilution techniques. Most enterobacteriaceae and aeromonae were resistant to ampicillin. The association was effective against shigellae and Yersinia enterocolitica. 28% of H. influenzae strains were resistant to ampicillin alone but were susceptible to the association. 30% of resistant staphylococci became sensitive to the association.
Insights
Bacterial resistance to penicillin is often due to beta-lactamase enzymes. Combining ampicillin with sulbactam (a beta-lactamase inhibitor) effectively treated resistant strains of Shigellae, Yersinia enterocolitica, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Bacterial resistance to penicillin derivatives is a significant clinical challenge.
- Beta-lactamase production is a primary mechanism of this resistance.
- Beta-lactamase inhibitors, such as sulbactam, offer a potential solution.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of ampicillin alone versus ampicillin combined with sulbactam against various bacterial pathogens.
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the ampicillin-sulbactam combination.
- To assess the effectiveness of the combination against ampicillin-resistant bacterial strains.
Summary:
- The study tested ampicillin alone and in combination with sulbactam (1:1 ratio) against clinical isolates including Enterobacteriaceae, Aeromonas, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococci, and Streptococcus fecalis.
- While many Enterobacteriaceae and Aeromonas showed resistance to ampicillin alone, the ampicillin-sulbactam combination demonstrated effectiveness against Shigellae and Yersinia enterocolitica.
- Notably, 28% of Haemophilus influenzae and 30% of Staphylococcus strains resistant to ampicillin alone became susceptible to the combination therapy.
Impact:
- The ampicillin-sulbactam combination shows promise in overcoming bacterial resistance mediated by beta-lactamase enzymes.
- This combination therapy could be a valuable tool for treating infections caused by resistant strains of H. influenzae and Staphylococci.
- Findings support the clinical utility of beta-lactamase inhibitors in managing antibiotic resistance.