Evaluation of gemifloxacin (SB-265805, LB20304a): in vitro activity against over 6000 Gram-positive pathogens from diverse geographic areas

Gemifloxacin (GEMI), formerly SE-265805 and LB20304, is a newer fluoroquino lone with broad-spectrum activity against a wide variety of bacterial patho gens. The present investigation extended earlier observations by sampling a n additional 6790 Gram-positive organisms from more than 50 medical centres on three continents. The reference broth microdilution method with recomme nded medium supplements was used throughout. Selected results (number strai ns tested; MIC90 for GEMI/trovafloxacin in mg/l; % less than or equal to 1 mg/l for GEMI/trovafloxacin) were: Staphylococcus aureus (3672; 2/2; 86/85) , S. epidermidis (404; 1/ > 4; 92/71), Enterococcus faecalis (630; 4/ > 4; 76/66), E. faecium (216; > 4/ > 4; 15/11), Streptococcus pneumoniae (300; 0 .06/0.25; 100/97), beta-haemolytic streptococci (150; 0.06/0.25; 100/100) a nd viridans group streptococci (150; 0.12/0.25; 99/97). Gemifloxacin appear ed equal or superior to trovafloxacin in its overall Gram-positive spectrum of activity pending a choice of the susceptible breakpoint concentration. Continued in vitro, pharmacodynamic and clinical investigations of gemiflox acin appear warranted. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. and International Soc iety of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.