Penicillin and clindamycin differentially inhibit the production of pyrogenic exotoxins A and B by group A streptococci.
Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins A (SPE-A) and B (SPE-B) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of serious group A streptococcal infections including streptococcal toxic shock-syndrome. Current antibiotics used for the treatment of these infections are penicillin and clindamycin. The effects of sub- and suprainhibitory concentrations of penicillin and clindamycin were evaluated in 14 isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes that were fully susceptible to both antibiotics. Clindamycin was superior to penicillin in reducing the production of SPE-A and SPE-B by invasive and non-invasive Dutch group A streptococcal isolates in vitro.
Mascini
E M
EM
Eijkman-Winkler Institute for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Inflammation, University Medical Center, G04.614, P.O. Box 85500, NL-3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands. e.m.mascini@lab.azu.nl
Jansze
M
M
Schouls
L M
LM
Verhoef
J
J
Van Dijk
H
H
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005098:Exotoxins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009426:Netherlands; D010406:Penicillins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D005098:Exotoxins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010406:Penicillins; C117980:SpeA protein, Streptococcus pyogenes; C027951:erythrogenic toxin; D002981:Clindamycin