Evaluation of restoration of sensitivities of resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates by using cefuroxime and clavulanic acid in combination.
BACKGROUND
The present study was planned to observe the activity of cefuroxime, a second generation cephalosporin after combining it with a beta-lactamase inhibitor calvulanic acid. The study was conducted to evaluate the restoration or increase in sensitivity of beta-lactamase producing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus.


METHODS
Staphylococcus aureus were identified by standard procedures. For beta-lactamase detection chromogenic Nitrocefin impregnated sticks were used. The sensitivity of the bacteria to the antibiotic disks was measured by disk diffusion method using standard zone diameter criteria given by National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standards.


RESULTS
The disks of cefuroxime with clavulanic acid had developed larger zones of inhibition. The activity of cefuroxime against Staphylococcus areus was significantly increased by clavulanic acid.


CONCLUSIONS
Clavulanic acid if used in combination with cefuroxime, can improve the antimicrobial activity of cefuroxime against beta-lactamase producing Staphylococcus aureus.
Jalil
Abdul
A
Department of Pharmacology, Khyber Girls Medical College Peshawar, Pakistan.
Niazi
Iftikharud Din
ID
Khan
Saadat Ullah
SU
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019818:Clavulanic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D018440:beta-Lactam Resistance / Q000187:drug effects; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D065093:beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; D019818:Clavulanic Acid; D002444:Cefuroxime