Related Experiment Videos
In vitro antimicrobial properties of azidothymidine (AZT)
R Monno1, L Marcuccio, M A Valenza
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Institute of Hygiene, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
Acta Microbiologica Et Immunologica Hungarica
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Azidothymidine (AZT) shows antibacterial effects against Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Salmonella species in HIV-positive patients. This suggests AZT may offer additional benefits in managing bacterial infections in AIDS patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Azidothymidine (AZT) is primarily known for its antiretroviral activity.
- Emerging evidence suggests AZT possesses antibacterial properties against various bacterial species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibacterial activity of AZT against a broad range of bacterial species.
- To specifically evaluate AZT's effect on Salmonella strains from HIV-positive individuals.
Main Methods:
- Tested AZT's activity against 224 bacterial species, including 25 Salmonella strains from HIV-positive patients.
- Determined Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for different bacterial groups.
- Compared AZT resistance in Salmonella from HIV-positive versus HIV-negative subjects.
Main Results:
- AZT demonstrated no activity against Gram-positive bacteria and Pseudomonas species (MIC > 128 µg/ml).
- Variable activity was observed against Enterobacteriaceae, with MICs ranging from 128 to 0.06 µg/ml.
- 76% of Salmonella from HIV-positive patients had MICs > 1 µg/ml, compared to 50% from HIV-negative subjects.
Conclusions:
- AZT exhibits selective antibacterial activity, primarily against Enterobacteriaceae.
- Salmonella strains from HIV-positive patients showed increased resistance to AZT.
- AZT may have a role in managing bacterial infections as an ancillary treatment in AIDS patients.