N-formimidoyl thienamycin: in vitro comparison with cefoxitin and tobramycin against clinical, bacterial isolates

The in vitro activity of the novel beta-lactam antibiotic, N-formimidoyl thienamycin (N-f thienamycin) has been compared with those of cefoxitin and tobramycin. An agar dilution method was employed. N-f thienamycin was active against all Enterobacteriaceae isolates (MIC less than or equal to 4 mg/l). All Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were inhibited by 2 mg/l. N-f thienamycin was also active against Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (96 per cent inhibited by 0.5 mg/l) and Gram-positive cocci. All enterococci were inhibited by 2 mg/l. The drug was active against Haemophilus influenzae (MIC less than or equal to 1 mg/l) and the Bacteroides fragilis group (MIC less than or equal to 0.5 mg/l). Cefoxitin was inactive against most Enterobacter and A. calcoaceticus isolates and all P. aeruginosa and enterococcal isolates. Tobramycin was virtually inactive against Gram-positive cocci other than Staphylococcus aureus. N-f thienamycin thus has a broad spectrum of in vitro activity, greater than that of cefoxitin and tobramycin, and may therefore be useful in the treatment of serious infection, particularly when the aetiology is unknown.