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Cefaclor: a contemporary look at susceptibility of key pathogens from around the globe
1Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, USA. Preston_David@Lilly.com
Abstract:
The orally administered cephalosporin antibiotic, cefaclor, has been available for clinical use in many countries since 1979. Because widespread antibiotic use is often cited as a factor in the emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, we sought to determine the degrees of resistance to cefaclor expressed by key pathogens recently isolated in 10 countries widely distributed around the world. Using the E-test, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined for cefaclor and several comparator antibiotics against approximately 700 fresh clinical isolates of each of six bacterial species. The results demonstrated that > 90% of Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase producing and non-producing), Haemophilus parainfluenzae (beta-lactamase producing and non-producing), Moraxella catarrhalis (> 90% beta-lactamase producing), and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, and 85% of Escherichia coli were susceptible to cefaclor at the NCCLS interpretive breakpoints. MIC distributions showed that there has been no change in the activity of cefaclor against penicillin-susceptible strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae since 1977.
Insights
Cefaclor, an oral cephalosporin antibiotic, remains highly effective against common bacterial pathogens. Over 90% of tested strains of Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus showed susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cefaclor, an orally administered cephalosporin antibiotic, has been in clinical use globally since 1979.
- Widespread antibiotic use is a known driver for the emergence of bacterial resistance.
- Monitoring antibiotic resistance patterns is crucial for effective antimicrobial stewardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current in vitro activity of cefaclor against key bacterial pathogens.
- To determine the prevalence of cefaclor resistance in recent clinical isolates worldwide.
- To compare cefaclor's efficacy with other antibiotics against common respiratory and urinary tract pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the E-test method.
- Approximately 700 recent clinical isolates of six bacterial species were tested from 10 countries.
- Isolates included Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Main Results:
- > 90% susceptibility to cefaclor was observed in Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus.
- 85% of Escherichia coli isolates remained susceptible to cefaclor.
- No significant change in cefaclor activity against penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae was noted since 1977.
Conclusions:
- Cefaclor demonstrates sustained in vitro activity against a majority of common bacterial pathogens.
- The antibiotic remains a viable treatment option for infections caused by susceptible strains.
- Continued surveillance of bacterial resistance is essential to guide clinical practice.