title: The role of beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors in the management of mixed infections.
abstract: Microbiological studies show that the in vitro antimicrobial activity of sulbactam-ampicillin encompasses not only gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes, but also anaerobes. Such a broad spectrum of activity suggests its suitability as monotherapy for the empiric management of polymicrobial infections. Typical mixed infections, which are frequently life-threatening, include those occurring in the abdomen or pelvis, diabetic foot infections, and brain abscess. Numerous comparative clinical studies have revealed the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of sulbactam-ampicillin to be comparable to that of imipenem cilastatin and the second-generation cephalosporins cefoxitin and cefotetan. In addition, other studies have demonstrated that sulbactam-ampicillin monotherapy is cost-beneficial. A reduction in the duration of hospitalization, the lack of potentially toxic side-effects, and lower drug costs associated with monotherapy all contribute to the cost-effectiveness of sulbactam-ampicillin.
authors.affiliation: Pfizer Ilaclari A.S., Ortakoy, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Akalin
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000188:drug therapy; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004716:Endometritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D047090:beta-Lactams
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D047090:beta-Lactams