Comparison between two non-absorbable antibiotic regimens for decontamination of the oropharynx

Fourteen healthy individuals were studied regarding the oropharyngeal microflora. Seven subjects were given a non-absorbable multi-drug regimen, consisting of 1% polymyxin B, 3% neomycin and 3% amphotericin B, that was directed against aerobic gram-negative rods and fungi for local decontamination of the oropharynx. Seven others were given another multi-drug regimen consisting of 1% polymyxin B, 1% neomycin, 3% amphotericin B and 0.5% vancomycin, that also included an agent directed against gram-positive bacteria. Both decontamination regimens were found to protect from new colonization with fungi and gram-negative rods in the oropharynx. Suppression of gram-positive cocci was only observed in those subjects receiving the regimen containing vancomycin.