title: In vitro activity of fosfomycin against 'problem' gram-positive cocci.
abstract: Fosfomycin was active in vitro against 54 of 60 'problem' Gram-positive cocci (20 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 20 coagulase-negative staphylococci and 20 enterococci). Its activity was significantly greater under anaerobic conditions, especially against coagulase-negative staphylococci. Mutants resistant to fosfomycin were readily demonstrated, but their growth was prevented by rifampicin or ciprofloxacin. The combinations rifampicin+fosfomycin and ciprofloxacin+fosfomycin showed MIC synergy. It is concluded that fosfomycin in an appropriate combination would be a valuable addition to the small and dwindling range of antibiotics active against problem Gram-positive cocci.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Microbiology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, University of London, Great Britain.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hamilton-Miller
mesh_terms: D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000494:pharmacology; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000494:pharmacology; D005578:Fosfomycin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006095:Gram-Positive Cocci / Q000187:drug effects*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D012293:Rifampin / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D005578:Fosfomycin; D002939:Ciprofloxacin; D012293:Rifampin