In-vitro study of the synergy between beta-lactam antibiotics and glycopeptides against enterococci

J Antimicrob Chemother. 1997 Apr;39(4):461-70. doi: 10.1093/jac/39.4.461.

Abstract

The synergy between glycopeptides and beta-lactams was studied using different techniques such as broth macrodilution, killing curves and agar dilution combined with agar diffusion. Two glycopeptide-resistant enterococci isolated from different clinical samples were used. Results showed different effects with significant changes in MICs. Antibacterial activity was related to the concentration of glycopeptide and beta-lactam for Enterococcus faecalis 8253, while for Enterococcus faecium 8072 a paradoxical effect was observed. With this strain, the best synergic effect was detected at teicoplanin concentrations of 1-4 mg/L, but antibacterial activity was reduced at concentrations of 8, 16 and 32 mg/L. No synergic effect was observed with vancomycin. The combination of agar dilution with agar diffusion techniques may constitute a simple method for routine detection of synergic effects between glycopeptides and beta-lactams.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cephalosporins / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Synergism
  • Enterococcus / drug effects*
  • Enterococcus faecalis / drug effects
  • Enterococcus faecium / drug effects
  • Glycopeptides / pharmacology*
  • Imipenem / pharmacology
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests / methods
  • Piperacillin / pharmacology
  • Teicoplanin / pharmacology
  • Vancomycin / pharmacology
  • beta-Lactams / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cephalosporins
  • Glycopeptides
  • beta-Lactams
  • Teicoplanin
  • Vancomycin
  • Imipenem
  • Piperacillin