COMPARATIVE IN-VITRO ACTIVITY OF SPARFLOXACIN AGAINST GENITAL PATHOGENS

The in-vitro activity of sparfloxacin against four pathogens commonly implicated in genital infections was compared with that of a number of other commonly administered antimicrobials. Sparfloxacin demonstrated excellent activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae (MIC range of less t han or equal to 0.0002-5 mg/L for beta-lactamase producing strains, an d less than or equal to 0.0002-0.03 mg/L for non-beta-lactamase produc ing strains). This activity was similar to that of lomefloxacin and ci profloxacin and was greater than that of ofloxacin. Sparfloxacin was m ore active against Ureaplasma urealyticum (MIC(90) 1 mg/L) than the ot her three quinolones (MIC(90) 4 mg/L). Sparfloxacin was much more acti ve against Mycoplasma hominis (MIC(90) 0.06 mg/L) than the other quino lones (MIC(90) 1 mg/L). Sparfloxacin showed the most potent inhibitory and bactericidal activity of the quinolones against Chlamydia trachom atis with MIC and MBC of 0.06 mg/L (ofloxacin MIC and MBC 1 mg/L; cipr ofloxacin and lomefloxacin MIC and MBC 2 mg/L). The results of this st udy and others performed by workers using different methods are consis tently similar. Since sparfloxacin has broad activity against pathogen s implicated in genital infections it may be a good therapeutic altern ative for these syndromes.