[In vitro antibacterial activity of cefmenoxime (SCE 1365)]

617 clinical isolates were tested, 592 of which were from hospital source. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of cefmenoxime were determined by a microtiter dilution method, using Mueller-Hinton broth. The results obtained give a 92% agreement with the reference agar-dilution method. Cefmenoxime shows a potent activity against Enterobacteriaceae (n = 420): the modal MIC is less than or equal to 0,03 mg/l, and 90% of them are inhibited by 1 mg/l. Some isolates require a higher concentration, above 32 mg/l: Enterobacter (8%), indole-positive Proteus (13%), Serratia (3%), Citrobacter (3%). Pseudomonas (n = 71) and Acinetobacter (n = 62) appear to be less susceptible than Enterobacteriaceae. The modal MIC is 16 mg/l and the concentration inhibiting 90% of the isolates is above 32 mg/l. The modal MIC of cefmenoxime against Staphylococcus aureus (n = 64) is 1 mg/l, and 90% of the strains belonging to this species are inhibited by 32 mg/l.