Related Experiment Videos
In-vitro studies of antibiotic combinations for multiply-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci
R A Proctor1, P Wick, R J Hamill
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53706.
Abstract:
Coagulase-negative staphylococci are being implicated as pathogens with increasing frequency and this may in part be due to their development of resistance to a wide variety of antibiotics. Because vancomycin is the only drug generally available for treating these multiply resistant organisms, we have tested several combinations of antibiotics for activity in vitro against these organisms. These in-vitro studies suggested that rifampicin combined with either gentamicin or cefamandole might occasionally provide an efficacious alternative to vancomycin, while the novobiocin plus rifampicin combination might be an effective oral regimen against methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci. Resistance to co-trimoxazole was found in nearly all isolates tested.
Insights
Coagulase-negative staphylococci exhibit increasing antibiotic resistance. Combination therapies like rifampicin with gentamicin or cefamandole show promise as alternatives to vancomycin for treating these infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are increasingly recognized as significant pathogens.
- Development of multidrug resistance in CoNS limits therapeutic options.
- Vancomycin is often the sole remaining treatment for infections caused by multiply resistant CoNS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro activity of various antibiotic combinations against multidrug-resistant CoNS.
- To identify potential alternative treatment regimens to vancomycin for CoNS infections.
Main Methods:
- In vitro susceptibility testing of antibiotic combinations against clinical isolates of CoNS.
- Evaluation of combinations including rifampicin, gentamicin, cefamandole, novobiocin, and co-trimoxazole.
Main Results:
- Rifampicin combined with gentamicin or cefamandole demonstrated potential efficacy in vitro.
- Novobiocin plus rifampicin showed promise as an oral regimen against methicillin-resistant CoNS.
- High levels of resistance to co-trimoxazole were observed in nearly all tested isolates.
Conclusions:
- Certain antibiotic combinations may offer viable alternatives to vancomycin for treating resistant CoNS infections.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted for promising combination therapies.
- Co-trimoxazole resistance is a significant challenge in managing CoNS infections.