Randomized prospective study of the comparative efficacy of spectinomycin and gentamicin in urinary tract infections

A prospective, randomized study was undertaken in 32 hospitalized patients with urinary tract infections to compare the efficacy of spectinomycin versus gentamicin. Spectinomycin was found to be of equal efficacy if not more efficacious in eradicating Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Proteus mirabilis in our patient population. No significant side-effects were noted. A review of the literature with emphasis on the use of spectinomycin in infections other than anogenital gonorrhea is made.