Effects of cefepime and meropenem on the gastrointestinal colonization of surgical patients by Candida albicans

Citation
G. Samonis et al., Effects of cefepime and meropenem on the gastrointestinal colonization of surgical patients by Candida albicans, CHEMOTHERA, 47(5), 2001, pp. 350-353
Citations number
12
Categorie Soggetti
Pharmacology,"Pharmacology & Toxicology
Journal title
CHEMOTHERAPY
ISSN journal
00093157 → ACNP
Volume
47
Issue
5
Year of publication
2001
Pages
350 - 353
Database
ISI
SICI code
0009-3157(2001)47:5<350:EOCAMO>2.0.ZU;2-X
Abstract
Background: The study evaluated the effects of cefepime and meropenem on th e gastrointestinal (GI) colonization of surgical patients by Candida albica ns. Patients and Methods: Twenty adult surgical patients who received intra venously either of these antibiotics as monotherapy for the treatment of an existing infection were studied prospectively. Ten patients received cefep ime (2.0 g twice a day), and another ten meropenem (1.0 g every 8 h) for 7 days. Quantitative stool cultures for C. albicans were performed immediatel y before, at the end, and 1 week after the end of antibiotic treatment. Res ults: Both antibiotics increased the GI colonization of patients by Candida . Meropenem caused a higher increase (2.0 log(10) CFU/g of stool) as compar ed to cefepime (1.7 log(10) CFU/g of stool). However, these increases were statistically not significant. Conclusion: Cefepime and meropenem when give n to sensitive patients do not increase significantly the risk of Candida: infection originating in the GI tract. Copyright (C) 2001 S. KargerAG, Base l.