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The Synergistic Effect of Visible Light and Gentamycin on Pseudomona aeruginosa Microorganisms
05:57

The Synergistic Effect of Visible Light and Gentamycin on Pseudomona aeruginosa Microorganisms

Published on: July 2, 2013

Combinations of antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A L Baltch, R P Smith

    The American Journal of Medicine
    |July 15, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are increasing, with high mortality. Combination antibiotic therapy, particularly aminoglycosides with beta-lactams, shows promise for treating these serious bacterial infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Microbiology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes severe infections, especially bacteremias, in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients.
    • The frequency of P. aeruginosa bacteremia has risen, with high mortality rates (up to 85%) despite treatment.
    • In vitro synergy testing's predictive value for P. aeruginosa is not firmly established, but in vitro synergy is crucial for guiding therapy selection.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the current evidence on combination antimicrobial therapy for serious Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
    • To identify effective antibiotic combinations for P. aeruginosa based on in vitro synergy and clinical outcomes.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of available data on in vitro synergy testing for P. aeruginosa.
    • Analysis of experimental animal studies supporting combination therapy.
    • Evaluation of retrospective and prospective human studies on antimicrobial combinations.

    Main Results:

    • In vitro synergy is often demonstrated with combinations of aminoglycosides (amikacin, tobramycin) and antipseudomonal beta-lactams.
    • Animal models support combination therapy for local and bacteremic P. aeruginosa infections.
    • Human studies suggest improved survival with combination therapy, especially in immunocompromised hosts.

    Conclusions:

    • Combination therapy, particularly aminoglycosides with beta-lactams, is recommended for serious P. aeruginosa infections.
    • Preferred regimens include newer penicillins (piperacillin, azlocillin) or cephalosporins combined with amikacin or tobramycin.

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