INTRAPULMONARY CONCENTRATIONS OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS

The delivery of antimicrobial agents to the site of infection has alwa ys been considered important. Lung infections are typically localized to the bronchial mucosa, endothelial Lining fluid, and/or alveolar mac rophages. Significant advances have been made in measuring antimicrobi al concentrations at these sites, although same of the methods need fu rther refinement and standardization. Relating various intrapulmonary site concentrations to efficacy or treatment failure requires further study. This article reviews the theory and methods relating to the mea surement of intrapulmonary delivery of antimicrobial agents, and compa res the intrapulmonary delivery of agents commonly used for the treatm ent of lower respiratory infections.