Basic and clinical studies on sparfloxacin in the urological field

We studied the antibacterial activity and clinical efficacy of sparfloxacin, a new quinolone, in the urological field. 1) Antibacterial activity: We determined the MICs of sparfloxacin against clinical isolates (209 strains of 14 species) from urinary tract infections, and compared them with those of norfloxacin (NFLX), ofloxacin (OFLX), enoxacin (ENX) and ciprofloxacin (CPFX). The overall antibacterial activities of sparfloxacin were slightly inferior to CPFX but still excellent and superior to those of other control drugs. 2) Clinical efficacy: According to the criteria of the Japanese UTI Committee, the overall clinical efficacy rate was 100% (3/3) for acute uncomplicated cystitis and 57.9% (11/19) for chronic complicated UTI. Baeteriologically, 18 of 25 strains (72.0%) were eradicated. 3) Side effects: Diarrhea was noted in one patient, but it improved without therapy. No abnormal laboratory findings were noted.