Susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to augmenting in comparison to other antibiotics

A total of 6241 strains of bacteria were isolated from various clinical specimens and tested in vitro to determine the efficacy of amoxycillin calvulanic acid [Augmentin] in comparison with other commonly used antimicrobial agents. This was done by means of disc diffusion method using Muller-Hinton agar susceptibility plates. 74% of the 1994 strains of Enterobacteriaceae, 97% of 1105 Staphylococcus aureus, 62% of 300 Staphylococcus epidermiditis and all the isolates of streptococci, micrococci and enterococci were inhibited by Augmentin. All the 1289 strains of Pseudomonas species, 89% of Serratia marcescens and 79% of Enterobacter species were resistant to Augmentin. However, Augmentin showed considerably increased activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus and Acinetobacter species as well as staphylococci when compared with ampicillin. Therefore, Augmentin appears to be a very active drug in empirical treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive cocci mainly as well as many of the Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae

spectrum of meningitis in neonates and children

The medical records of 203 patients admitted with meningitis during two years were reviewed. According to the criteria of the study, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] culture confirmed the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in 74 patients [proved group]. Of the remaining 129 patients, where causative pathogens were not identified, 75 were partially treated bacterial, 52 were viral and 2 were tuberculous meningitis. The majority were Pakistanis and Indians representing 65% and most of them were younger than 5 years. Up to age of 2 months, Klebsiella spp. was the most common organism isolated in the neonatal period [12 cases]. Whereas, above the age of 2 months, Hemophilus influenza type B was the predominant pathogen identified particularly up to age of 2 years [14 cases]. Neisseria meningitidis was next in order [12 cases] especially during Haj. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the third organism in frequency being isolated in 8 cases. CSF culture and latex agglutination test were the most reliable in confirming diagnosis. 20% of Hemophilus influenza isolates were resistant to ampicillin and 7% were resistant to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. The addition of third generation cephalosporins to the antimicrobial therapy results in a better promising outcome with reduced incidence of mortality and neurologic deficits