Activity of third-generation cephalosporins in human blood

Activity of cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefotetan, and latamoxef against Escherichia coli was evaluated in whole human blood. At subinhibitory levels no effect was seen. At concentrations at or exceeding the MIC, cefotaxime was rapidly bactericidal, and latamoxef was the second most active compound. With ceftriaxone and cefotetan, the organism grew better in blood containing the antibiotic than in blood alone.