Comparison of activities of broad-spectrum beta-lactam compounds against 1,128 gram-positive cocci recently isolated in cancer treatment centers.
We report the in vitro activities of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antimicrobials tested against 1,128 gram-positive pathogens recently isolated from cancer patients. Cefepime and imipenem were more active than ceftazidime and ceftriaxone against these organisms. Only vancomycin demonstrated reliable activity against oxacillin-resistant staphylococci, Enterococcus spp., and Corynebacterium spp. The spectrum of gram-positive organisms against which cefepime and imipenem have activity provides an advantage over ceftazidime as empiric therapy for cancer patients, potentially reducing the need for the empiric addition of glycopeptides.
Diekema
D J
DJ
Department of Pathology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242, USA. daniel-diekema@uiowa.edu
Coffman
S L
SL
Marshall
S A
SA
Beach
M L
ML
Rolston
K V
KV
Jones
R N
RN
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000187:drug effects; D006095:Gram-Positive Cocci / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000187:drug effects; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects; D047090:beta-Lactams
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D047090:beta-Lactams