Related Experiment Videos
Sulbactam/ampicillin: in vitro spectrum, potency, and activity in models of acute infection
Abstract:
More than 90% of community hospital-isolated strains of Staphylococcus (including methicillin-resistant isolates), Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Branhamella, Bacteroides, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus were inhibited by the sulbactam/ampicillin (1:2) combination at concentrations of 8 micrograms/16 micrograms per ml. The peak serum level from a 15-min infusion of 1 g/2 g of sulbactam/ampicillin is more than seven times this 90% end point. Excellent bactericidal activity was demonstrated against ampicillin-resistant isolates. Ampicillin-resistant strains did not develop resistance to sulbactam/ampicillin when they were serially transferred in the presence of sublethal concentrations of the combination. In mice the combination was active against a variety of acute, fatal infections produced by ampicillin-resistant bacterial isolates, including methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and mixed anaerobes. The in vitro and in vivo properties of sulbactam/ampicillin, coupled with its reliable pharmacokinetic performance, appear to make the combination ideally suited for the treatment of polymicrobial (aerobe-anaerobe) infections.
Insights
The sulbactam/ampicillin combination effectively inhibits over 90% of common hospital bacteria, including resistant strains. This antibiotic combination shows excellent activity against infections in mice, making it suitable for treating mixed bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in treating bacterial infections.
- Many community hospital strains exhibit resistance to traditional antibiotics like ampicillin.
- Polymicrobial infections, involving both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, pose a significant therapeutic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the sulbactam/ampicillin combination.
- To assess the activity of sulbactam/ampicillin against ampicillin-resistant bacterial isolates.
- To determine the suitability of sulbactam/ampicillin for treating polymicrobial infections.
Main Methods:
- In vitro susceptibility testing of sulbactam/ampicillin against various bacterial strains.
- Assessment of bactericidal activity and resistance development in vitro.
- In vivo efficacy studies in mouse models of acute bacterial infections.
Main Results:
- Sulbactam/ampicillin inhibited >90% of tested hospital strains at 8 µg/16 µg/mL.
- The combination demonstrated excellent bactericidal activity against ampicillin-resistant isolates.
- In vivo studies showed efficacy against acute infections caused by ampicillin-resistant bacteria, including MRSA and mixed anaerobes.
Conclusions:
- Sulbactam/ampicillin exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including resistant strains.
- The combination effectively combats ampicillin-resistant bacteria and demonstrates efficacy in polymicrobial infection models.
- The pharmacokinetic profile and demonstrated activity suggest sulbactam/ampicillin is well-suited for treating complex aerobic-anaerobic infections.