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Non-specific influence of antibiotics on the course of infectious processes
Abstract:
The clinical significance of a concomitant, non-specific influence of antibiotics on immune defence mechanisms was studied by evaluating the death rate in mice experimentally infected with highly resistant or primarily resistant microorganisms. It could be shown that the mortality rate of mice infected with Enterobacter cloacae or Candida albicans significantly increased under treatment with cefoxitin, whereas treatment with cefotaxine or lamoxactam either had no effect, or even resulted in a better survival rate in comparison to controls. These results run parallel to an inhibition (cefoxitin) or stimulation (cefotaxime and lamoxactam) of antibody production. The effect of cefoxitin on the course of experimental infections could be compensated for by the concomitant application of sodium-8-chlorotheophyllinate which promotes antibody formation. None of these antibiotics showed any additional effect in animals treated with cyclophosphamide. From these observations it was concluded that the influence of antibiotics on certain immunological parameters assayed in vitro may be reflected in comparable effects on the course of infections in vivo; this implies that under certain clinical conditions, the immunological side-effects of antibiotics may be of practical therapeutic significance.
Insights
Certain antibiotics, like cefoxitin, can impair immune responses, increasing mortality in mice infected with resistant bacteria. Other antibiotics, such as cefotaxime, may enhance immune function and improve survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antibiotics are crucial for treating bacterial infections.
- The non-specific effects of antibiotics on host immune defense mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Investigating antibiotic influence on immune function is vital for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical significance of antibiotic-induced changes in immune defense.
- To assess the impact of specific antibiotics on mortality rates in experimentally infected mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice were experimentally infected with resistant microorganisms (Enterobacter cloacae, Candida albicans).
- Mice were treated with different antibiotics: cefoxitin, cefotaxime, and lamoxactam.
- Mortality rates and antibody production levels were measured.
- The effect of cefoxitin was further investigated with sodium-8-chlorotheophyllinate and cyclophosphamide.
Main Results:
- Cefoxitin treatment significantly increased mortality in infected mice, correlating with inhibited antibody production.
- Cefotaxime and lamoxactam treatments showed no adverse effect or improved survival rates, linked to stimulated antibody production.
- The negative impact of cefoxitin was counteracted by sodium-8-chlorotheophyllinate, which enhances antibody formation.
- No additional effects were observed when antibiotics were administered to animals treated with cyclophosphamide.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotics can exert clinically significant immunological side effects.
- In vitro observed immunological effects of antibiotics may correlate with in vivo infection outcomes.
- Understanding these immunological side effects is crucial for optimizing antibiotic therapy.