Basic and clinical studies on meropenem in respiratory infections

We performed bacteriological and clinical studies on meropenem (MEPM), a new carbapenem, with the following results. 1. Antibacterial activity of MEPM The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of MEPM against a total of 321 clinically isolated strains were measured and compared with those of imipenem/cilastatin (IPM/CS), ceftazidime, cefuzonam and ceftizoxime, using the MIC-2000 system (Dynatech Laboratories). MEPM showed the highest activity against gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and more activity than three cephalosporins (except IPM/CS) against gram-positive bacteria. However, MEPM showed poor bactericidal activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. 2. Clinical study results MEPM (1 g per day) was given to six patents with pneumonia, three with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and one with lung abscess, for 7–15 days. Clinical response was excellent in five patients, good in four patients, and fair in one patient, an efficacy rate of 90%. As to adverse reactions, a mild rash on the face was observed in one patient. Abnormal laboratory findings were observed in two cases, but were transient. From the above results, we consider MEPM to be one of the most useful antibiotics for respiratory tract infection.