Comparison of selection for mutants with reduced susceptibility to ABT-773, erythromycin and rifampicin in respiratory tract pathogens

Attempts were made to select mutants on agar media containing the new ketolide ABT-773, erythromycin or rifampicin, at concentrations above the MICs, from Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae, including erythromycin-resistant strains. ABT-773 did not select for mutants in four strains, whereas in eight strains the frequencies at 72 h were < or = 10(-9). ABT-773 MICs were 0.015-4 mg/L for mutants, except those selected from inducible Erm(A) S. aureus. Mutants selected on ABT-773 or erythromycin were cross-resistant to ABT-773, erythromycin and, sometimes, clindamycin. The susceptibility profiles indicate that different mutations were selected and that ABT-773 and erythromycin may interact with the ribosome differently.