Combining Antibiotics Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Author Information
Author(s): Lim Tze-Peng, Tan Thean-Yen, Lee Winnie, Sasikala S., Tan Thuan-Tong, Hsu Li-Yang, Kwa Andrea L.
Primary Institution: Singapore General Hospital
Hypothesis
Can combination therapy effectively combat carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii?
Conclusion
Combination therapy may be necessary to effectively treat infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
Supporting Evidence
- 31 CR-AB isolates were identified, all resistant to multiple antibiotics but susceptible to polymyxin B.
- Combination therapies showed varying levels of bactericidal activity against different isolates.
- Polymyxin B plus rifampicin was the most effective combination, killing 41.9% of isolates.
Takeaway
Doctors are trying different combinations of antibiotics to fight a tough germ that doesn't respond to many medicines. Some combinations work better than others.
Methodology
The study collected CR-AB isolates from hospitals, tested their susceptibility to antibiotics, and conducted time-kill studies with various combinations.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be applicable to all strains due to the strain-specific nature of antibiotic resistance.
Participant Demographics
Isolates were collected from five geographically separate hospitals in Singapore.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website