[Failure of fluoroquinolone treatment in pneumococcal pneumonia]

Based on a case story concerning the development of pneumococcal pneumonia in relation to treatment with a quinolone, use of such antibiotics in respiratory tract infections is discussed. In the light of in vitro results, animal experiments, and clinical reports of treatment failure of quinolones, we warn against the routine use of these antibiotics against respiratory tract infections. Quinolones may be useful in the treatment of verified Gram-negative respiratory tract infections, but should always be preceded by susceptibility testing.