Incomplete anaerobiosis as a cause of metronidazole 'resistance'

J Clin Pathol. 1978 Oct;31(10):933-5. doi: 10.1136/jcp.31.10.933.

Abstract

Clostridium welchii, used as a control, was found to grow well in a microaerophilic jar used for campylobacters but appeared resistant to a metronidazole disc although the campylobacter was sensitive. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for six strains of Cl. welchii were up to 64-fold higher in these conditions than when grown anaerobically. Zones of inhibition with both Cl. welchii and Bacteroides fragilis varied with the amount of air admitted to anaerobic jars.

MeSH terms

  • Anaerobiosis
  • Bacteroides fragilis / drug effects*
  • Bacteroides fragilis / metabolism
  • Campylobacter / drug effects
  • Clostridium perfringens / drug effects*
  • Clostridium perfringens / metabolism
  • Metronidazole / pharmacology*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Substances

  • Metronidazole