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In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci

C Freeman1, A Robinson, B Cooper

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut, USA.

Insights

Novobiocin, ramoplanin, and streptogramin RP59500 show promise against antibiotic-resistant enterococci. Further research is recommended for these agents in treating enterococcal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Enterococci are significant nosocomial pathogens.
  • Glycopeptide antibiotic resistance in enterococci (e.g., vanA, vanB, vanC strains) poses a therapeutic challenge.
  • Effective treatment options for resistant enterococcal infections are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro activity of various antibiotics against phenotyped, glycopeptide-resistant enterococcal strains.
  • To identify potential alternative therapeutic agents for treating infections caused by these resistant bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Susceptibility testing was performed on 48 phenotyped strains of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci.
  • Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) were determined for selected antibiotics.
  • Strains were categorized based on their resistance mechanisms (vanA, vanB, vanC).

Main Results:

  • Novobiocin demonstrated significant activity with MIC90 of 8 µg/ml and MBC90 of 32 µg/ml.
  • Ramoplanin exhibited potent activity, with MIC90 of 2 µg/ml and MBC90 of 4 µg/ml.
  • The streptogramin RP59500 showed promising results, with MIC90 of 4 µg/ml and MBC90 of 32 µg/ml.

Conclusions:

  • Novobiocin, ramoplanin, and RP59500 are effective in vitro against glycopeptide-resistant enterococci.
  • These antibiotics represent potential candidates for further investigation in treating enterococcal infections.
  • Combination therapy might also be a viable strategy for managing these resistant infections.

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