In vitro susceptibility of upper respiratory tract pathogens to 13 oral antimicrobial agents

An in vitro comparison of the activities of 13 oral antimicrobial agents against clinical isolates of bacteria commonly responsible for causing upper respiratory tract infections was performed. With regard to Haemophilus influenzae, beta-lactamase-negative strains were susceptible to amoxycillin, augmentin, cefaclor, erythromycin, trimethoprim, cotrimoxazole and tetracycline, with CL 284,635 being the most active agent. With the exception of amoxycillin these drugs were also active against beta-lactamase-producing strains. CL 284,635 was also very active against Branhamella catarrhalis isolates, including beta-lactamase-producing strains, but was less active against the Gram-positive bacteria tested. Cefadroxil, cephradine and cephalexin were mainly active against Gram-positive pathogens. Based on minimum inhibitory concentration determinations, cefaclor, augmentin and co-trimoxazole would be appropriate drugs for the treatment of those cases of otitis media and sinusitis where H. influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are important pathogens provided they are susceptible to these agents.