Combination effect of meropenem with aminoglycosides and teicoplanin on Pseudomonas and enterococci

The in vitro activity of meropenem, a new carbapenem, and the combination effect with netilmicin, tobramycin, gentamicin, and teicoplanin against Pseudomonas spp. and enterococci was studied. Meropenem showed very good in vitro activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC90 2 mg/l) and good to moderate activity against Pseudomonas putida (MIC90 4 mg/l) and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC90 8 mg/l). Aminoglycosides were highly active against P. putida (MIC90 0.5 mg/l), but showed only moderate activity against P. aeruginosa. The synergistic effect of meropenem was shown in combination with teicoplanin against E. faecalis (40%). No Pseudomonas strains were inhibited by the synergistic effect of meropenem with aminoglycosides. No antagonism occurred with any of the combinations.