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Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
10:51

Co-culture of Living Microbiome with Microengineered Human Intestinal Villi in a Gut-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device

Published on: August 30, 2016

[The influence of pivmecillinam on the human gut flora (author's transl)]

H Knothe

    Arzneimittel-Forschung
    |January 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Pivmecillinam significantly reduced E. coli and enterobacteriaceae in human gut flora. No harmful overgrowth of other microbes like Pseudomonas or Candida was observed during treatment.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Pharmacology
    • Gastroenterology

    Background:

    • Gut flora composition is crucial for host health.
    • Antibiotic use can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbiota.
    • Understanding the impact of specific antibiotics on gut flora is essential for clinical practice.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effects of pivmecillinam on human gut flora at various dosages.
    • To assess the potential for overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens.
    • To evaluate the impact on gut flora during treatment of Salmonella infections.

    Main Methods:

    • Administration of pivmecillinam at 1.2 g/day and 2.4 g/day to human subjects.
    • Analysis of stool specimens to monitor changes in bacterial populations.
    • Case study of a patient with Salmonella infection treated with pivmecillinam and pivampicillin.

    Main Results:

    • Marked reduction in E. coli and other enterobacteriaceae species observed.
    • Variable responses noted in enterococci and bacteroides populations.
    • No overgrowth of Pseudomonas, Staphylococci, or Candida species occurred.
    • Enterobacteriaceae counts decreased significantly in a Salmonella-infected patient during combination therapy.

    Conclusions:

    • Pivmecillinam demonstrates a selective antimicrobial effect on Enterobacteriaceae in the gut.
    • The drug appears safe regarding overgrowth of common opportunistic pathogens.
    • Further research may elucidate its role in managing gut infections and maintaining microbial balance.

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