Beta-Lactamase Stability and in vitro Activity of Aztreonam, with a Comparison to 9 Other Beta-Lactam Antibiotics and Gentamicin

Abstract

The antibacterial activity of aztreonam, 9 other β-lactam antibiotics and gentamicin was tested in vitro on 383 recently isolated bacteria. The activity of aztreonam against the gram-negative bacteria is similar to the activity of the 3rd generation cephalosporins and gentamicin. With regard to β-lactamase stability only PSE-2 out of 14 plasmid mediated β-lactamases and K-1 out of 2 chromosomally mediated β-lactamases could hydrolyze aztreonam. With its β-lactamase stability, high antibacterial activity and narrow-spectrum aztreonam seems to be a valuable addition to the antibiotic arsenal.