In-vitro activity of FK 037 (Cefoselis), a novel 4(th) generation Cephalosporin, compared to Cefepime and Cefpirome on nosocomial staphylococci and gram-negative isolates

The novel 4(th) generation cephalosporin FK037 was in vitro compared to cef epime and cefpirome on 563 multiresistant nosocomial isolates including met hicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Their time-kill effect was studied on MSSA, Escherichia coli, Kleb siella pneumoniae, and isolates of Enterobacter cross-resistant to cefotaxi me, ceftriaxone, and to ceftazidime, their interaction with amikacin being also evaluated on the latter isolates. Results revealed that FK037 possesse d a superior antistaphylococcal activity on MSSA isolates to both other com pounds being however equal active to cefepime and cefpirome on multiresista nt enterobacteriaceae. Synergy was documented between 4(th) generation ceph alosporins and amikacin on K. pneumoniae and on Enterobacter spp. cross-res istant to 3(rd) generation cephalosporins. In the latter species 4(th) gene ration cephalosporins remained inactive. The presented results support the need of clinical studies with FK037 as monotherapy for nosocomial infection s based on the local surveillance data of the level of antimicrobial resist ance of each hospital. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.