Generic piperacillin/tazobactam is not associated with galactomannan false-positivity in adult patients with cancer: a case-control study

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2015 Jul;34(7):1437-41. doi: 10.1007/s10096-015-2370-5. Epub 2015 Apr 17.

Abstract

Recent products of piperacillin/tazobactam (PTZ) from the original manufacturer, previously considered a major cause of galactomannan (GM) false-positivity, are reported not to be related to it. However, data regarding generic PTZ are limited and controversial. To evaluate the effect of generic PTZ on GM false-positivity in Korea, we performed a case-control study in adult patients with cancer. A case-control study was designed. Electronic medical records of cancer patients who were admitted and tested for serum GM between March and June 2014 at a tertiary care university hospital were reviewed. During the study period, a single generic PTZ (C manufacturer, Korea) was used. Patients who received PTZ within 24 h prior to serum GM testing were enrolled. Age- and GM test date-matched non-PTZ patients were selected as controls. A total of 110 patients received PTZ within 24 h prior to serum GM testing during the study period. The GM optical density index (ODI) of the PTZ group did not vary significantly from that of the control group (p = 0.251). The percentage of false-positive patients in the PTZ group was also similar to that of the control group (p = 0.538). There was no statistical relationship between GM ODI titer and time interval from PTZ administration (p = 0.095) or cumulative PTZ dose (p = 0.416). In a case-control study that evaluated 220 patients, a generic PTZ in Korea was not related to GM false-positivity.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antigens, Fungal / blood
  • Aspergillosis / blood
  • Aspergillosis / etiology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Galactose / analogs & derivatives
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mannans / blood*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / blood*
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Penicillanic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Penicillanic Acid / adverse effects
  • Penicillanic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Piperacillin / administration & dosage
  • Piperacillin / adverse effects*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tazobactam
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antigens, Fungal
  • Mannans
  • galactomannan
  • Penicillanic Acid
  • Tazobactam
  • Piperacillin
  • Galactose