Related Experiment Videos
A comparative study of the in-vitro activity of cefepime and other cephalosporins
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
Abstract:
Cefepime is a new cephalosporin antibiotic which is highly active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The purpose of this study was to establish the in-vitro activity of cefepime and three other cephalosporins against recent clinical isolates from patients at the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur. A total of 334 strains comprising Enterobacteriaceae, non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus were tested for their sensitivity to cefepime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotics were established using an agar dilution method. With the exception of some strains of Flavobacterium meningosepticum, Xanthomonas maltophilia and other non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli, cefepime was found to be active against a wide range of Gram-negative organisms. Cefepime was as or more active than the other cephalosporins against Acinetobacter, Enterobacteriaceae and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Strains of Klebsiella and Salmonella that were resistant to the third generation cephalosporins were sensitive to cefepime. Cefepime could be a valuable alternative for the treatment of nosocomial infections due to multiply resistant organisms.
Insights
Cefepime demonstrates broad-spectrum in-vitro activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including resistant strains. This cephalosporin antibiotic shows promise as a valuable alternative for treating nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Emerging antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health.
- Cephalosporin antibiotics are crucial in treating bacterial infections.
- The need for novel agents against multidrug-resistant pathogens is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of cefepime.
- To compare cefepime's efficacy against other cephalosporins.
- To assess activity against recent clinical isolates from a Malaysian hospital.
Main Methods:
- Agar dilution method used to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs).
- Tested 334 clinical isolates including Enterobacteriaceae, Gram-negative bacilli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Compared cefepime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and ceftazidime sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Cefepime exhibited broad activity against Gram-negative organisms, with exceptions like Flavobacterium meningosepticum.
- It was as or more potent than other cephalosporins against Acinetobacter, Enterobacteriaceae, and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus.
- Cefepime demonstrated sensitivity against Klebsiella and Salmonella strains resistant to third-generation cephalosporins.
Conclusions:
- Cefepime is highly active against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- It shows significant potential for treating nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
- Cefepime represents a valuable therapeutic option in combating resistant infections.