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Comparative in vitro activities of cefpiramide and apalcillin against anaerobic bacteria
Abstract:
The in vitro activities of two new antimicrobial agents, apalcillin and cefpiramide (SM-1652), were evaluated against 324 strains of anaerobic bacteria. Apalcillin (a penicillin derivative) and cefpiramide (a semisynthetic cephalosporin) were compared with piperacillin, moxalactam, and cefoxitin. Organisms studied included the Bacteroides fragilis group, other Bacteroides species, fusobacteria, clostridia, nonsporeforming gram-positive rods, and anaerobic cocci. Piperacillin was found to be the most active overall, inhibiting 96% of the strains tested at its achievable level in serum (128 micrograms/ml). Apalcillin was comparable in activity to piperacillin, inhibiting 93% of anaerobes tested at this concentration. The other antibiotics inhibited ca. 80% of the strains at 32 micrograms/ml. In terms of activities against particular species, apalcillin was active against 75% of B. fragilis group strains and 97 to 100% of all other anaerobes. Cefpiramide inhibited 37% of B. fragilis group strains at 32 micrograms/ml and 68% at 64 micrograms/ml (a level that may be achievable with this drug). Cefpiramide inhibited 92% of all other anaerobes at 32 micrograms/ml and 95% at 64 micrograms/ml. The clostridia other than Clostridium perfringens were the most resistant (84% inhibited at 32 micrograms/ml and 95% inhibited at 64 micrograms/ml).
Insights
Apalcillin and piperacillin show strong in vitro activity against anaerobic bacteria, including the Bacteroides fragilis group. Cefpiramide demonstrates good activity against most anaerobes but is less effective against B. fragilis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Anaerobic bacterial infections pose significant therapeutic challenges.
- Novel antimicrobial agents are continuously sought to combat resistant strains.
- Understanding the spectrum of activity of new antibiotics is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of apalcillin and cefpiramide against a diverse range of anaerobic bacteria.
- To compare the efficacy of these new agents with established antibiotics like piperacillin, moxalactam, and cefoxitin.
Main Methods:
- In vitro susceptibility testing was performed on 324 anaerobic bacterial strains.
- Organisms included Bacteroides fragilis group, other Bacteroides species, fusobacteria, clostridia, nonsporeforming gram-positive rods, and anaerobic cocci.
- Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined and compared to achievable drug levels.
Main Results:
- Piperacillin and apalcillin demonstrated the highest overall activity, inhibiting 96% and 93% of strains, respectively, at achievable serum concentrations.
- Apalcillin was highly effective against non-B. fragilis anaerobes (97-100%) and moderately active against B. fragilis group strains (75%).
- Cefpiramide showed good activity against most anaerobes (92-95%) but limited efficacy against the B. fragilis group (37-68% inhibition at tested concentrations).
Conclusions:
- Apalcillin exhibits potent in vitro activity against a broad spectrum of anaerobic bacteria, comparable to piperacillin.
- Cefpiramide is effective against many anaerobes but shows reduced activity against the challenging B. fragilis group.
- These findings support the potential clinical utility of apalcillin and highlight the need for further evaluation of cefpiramide's role in treating anaerobic infections.