Susceptibility of alpha-haemolytic streptococci causing endocarditis to benzylpenicillin and ten cephalosporins.
A clinical case of streptococcal endocarditis in which the isolate proved susceptible to third- but not first-generation cephalosporins prompted us to examine the susceptibility of 44 alpha-haemolytic streptococci from cases of endocarditis to ten cephalosporins and benzylpenicillin. Twenty per cent of strains were resistant to penicillin, and 20% were tolerant. Cefazolin, cefuroxime and cefpirome were the most active first-, second- and third-generation cephalosporins tested. Other first-generation cephalosporins tested compared poorly to cefazolin. Cefotaxime and cefpirome were moderately active against some penicillin-resistant strains. Penicillin tolerance was common in Streptococcus gordonii, but a correlation between tolerance and dextran production could not be confirmed.
Wilcox
M H
MH
Department of Bacteriology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Winstanley
T G
TG
Douglas
C W
CW
Spencer
R C
RC
D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010400:Penicillin G / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010403:Penicillin Resistance; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects*
D002511:Cephalosporins; D010400:Penicillin G