QUINUPRISTIN-DALFOPRISTIN

Quinupristin-dalfopristin (RP 59500) is an injectable streptogramin an tibiotic. It possesses a wide spectrum of activity against Gram-positi ve bacteria including methicillin-resistant staphylococci, glycopeptid e-resistant Enterococcus faecium and penicillin-resistant pneumococci. Quinupristin-dalfopristin has activity against some anaerobes and sel ected Gram-negative pathogens. Quinupristin-dalfopristin, by way syner gism of between its 2 components, is unaffected by most forms of bacte rial resistance. Rare forms of macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin gro up B resistance may affect its activity; however, at present the incid ence of strains with this type of resistance remains low. Quinupristin -dalfopristin is bactericidal against streptococci and staphylococci b ut has weak or no bactericidal activity against enterococci. In a comp assionate use programme, 67% of 95 evaluable patients with vancomycin- resistant Gram-positive infections or intolerant of vancomycin showed improvement with eradication of infection.