title: Beta-lactamase stability and in vitro activity of aztreonam, with a comparison to 9 other beta-lactam antibiotics and gentamicin.
abstract: The antibacterial activity of aztreonam, 9 other beta-lactam antibiotics and gentamicin was tested in vitro on 383 recently isolated bacteria. The activity of aztreonam against the gram-negative bacteria is similar to the activity of the 3rd generation cephalosporins and gentamicin. With regard to beta-lactamase stability only PSE-2 out of 14 plasmid mediated beta-lactamases and K-1 out of 2 chromosomally mediated beta-lactamases could hydrolyze aztreonam. With its beta-lactamase stability, high antibacterial activity and narrow-spectrum aztreonam seems to be a valuable addition to the antibiotic arsenal.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001398:Aztreonam / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004355:Drug Stability; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010957:Plasmids; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D001618:beta-Lactamases; D001398:Aztreonam