Abstract
In recent years group B streptococci (GBS) have become one of the most common etiologic agents in neonatal infections. In vitro studies indicate that GBS are susceptible to concentrations of penicillin and ampicillin readily achievable in serum. However, fatality rates, often in excess of 50%, occur despite antibiotic therapy. Ampicillin (AMP), penicillin G (Pen G), tobramycin (TOB), kanamycin (KAN), gentamicin (GEN), and amikacin (AMI) were evaluated for their in vitro activity against GBS. Checkerboard titrations of the combination of aminoglycoside and penicillin or ampicillin were performed. Ninety percent of the fifteen isolates tested showed indifference to the aminoglycoside-ampicillin combination, whereas ten percent had an additive effect. Eighty percent of the isolates showed indifference to the aminoglycoside-penicillin combination, with twenty percent having an additive effect. No synergy or antagonism was found using the various amino-glycosides with either penicillin or ampicillin. Although synergy was not demonstrated, it appears that initial empiric combination antibiotic therapy in infants suspected of having sepsis should not compromise the outcome of those with GBS sepsis.
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Keeney, R., Cooper, M., Lyons, S. et al. IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF COMBINATIONS AMINOGLYCOSIDES AND PENICILLINS AGAINST GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI. Pediatr Res 11, 502 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00791
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00791