Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Metabolic Profiling to Determine Bactericidal or Bacteriostatic Effects of New Natural Products using Isothermal Microcalorimetry
Published on: October 29, 2020
In vitro bactericidal activity of cefepime and cefpirome against clinical isolates at Karachi
Adeel Arsalan1, Syed Baqar Shayam Naqvi2, Syed Abid Ali3
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Baqai Medical University, Toll Plaza, Super Highway, Gadap Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Antibiotics not only support to alleviate the infections but also facilitate to avert the multiplication of microbes. Due to the irrational use of antibiotics, the resistance of antibiotics has been augmented which results may increase in morbidity and mortality with the span of time. World renowned regulatory bodies like Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) vigorously advocate the surveillance of the resistance of antibiotics. During the present study by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method 141 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (n=47, 33.34%), Escherichia coli (n=54, 38.3%), Proteus species (n=26, 18.4%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=14, 9.92%) are evaluated against cefepime and cefpirome which comes of fourth generation cephalosporin. It has been found that cefpirome has better bactericidal activity than cefepime against E. coli and K. pneumoniae while cefepime has been possessed better antibacterial activity against S. aureus and Proteus species which were isolated from respiratory tract infections, blood stream infection, intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections, and skin and soft tissue infections. K. pneumoniae, E. coli, Proteus species, and S. aureus were 34.8%, 26.3%, 11.3%, and 37.7% resistance against cefepime respectively. S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Proteus species has shown 41.4%, 21.7%, 17.6%, and 8.9% resistance against cefpirome correspondingly.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance is rising due to misuse. This study compared cefepime and cefpirome against common bacteria, finding varying effectiveness and resistance levels for each drug.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health threat, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Regulatory bodies like the FDA, CDC, and WHO emphasize the need for antibiotic resistance surveillance.
- The irrational use of antibiotics has led to augmented microbial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of cefepime and cefpirome against common clinical isolates.
- To determine the resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus species, and Klebsiella pneumoniae to these fourth-generation cephalosporins.
Main Methods:
- A Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was employed.
- 141 clinical isolates including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus species, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were tested.
- Antibacterial activity and resistance percentages against cefepime and cefpirome were assessed.
Main Results:
- Cefpirome demonstrated superior bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae compared to cefepime.
- Cefepime showed better antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus species.
- Resistance percentages varied: against cefepime, resistance was observed in 37.7% of S. aureus, 26.3% of E. coli, 11.3% of Proteus, and 34.8% of K. pneumoniae. Against cefpirome, resistance was 41.4% for S. aureus, 21.7% for E. coli, 8.9% for Proteus, and 17.6% for K. pneumoniae.
Conclusions:
- Both cefepime and cefpirome exhibit distinct antibacterial profiles against key clinical pathogens.
- Understanding differential efficacy and resistance patterns is crucial for optimizing antibiotic use in treating various infections.
- Surveillance of antibiotic resistance is vital for informed clinical decision-making and combating antimicrobial resistance.
