Sensitivity pattern of Gram negative bacteria to the new β-lactam/ β-lactamase inhibitor combination: Cefepime/tazobactam

Objectives: Increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Gram negative bacteria has prompted researchers to explore alternative antibiotic options. Different s-lactam/s-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) combinations are used in many countries, as a carbapenem saving strategy. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity pattern of cefepime/tazobactam combination in comparison to piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone/sulbactam, cefepime and carbapenem agents. Materials and methods: We conducted retrospective analysis of the sensitivity pattern of Gram negative bacterial isolates in Apollo Speciality Hospital; a 300 bedded, tertiary care Oncology, Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic Centre in South India. Results: Out of the 1003 Gram negative, non-repetitive isolates collected over a period of one year; 60.5% were sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactam, 46.2% to cefepime, 80.4% to cefepime/tazobactam, 71.3% to cefoperazone-sulbactam, 79.1% to imipenem and 78.2% to meropenem. Addition of tazobactam increased the susceptibility of cefepime from 46.2% to 80.4% in gram negative isolates in general; from 34.4 to 87.9% in E. coli, from 42.3 to 81.0% to Klebsiella, from 72.0 to 81.4% in Pseudomonas and 17.2-54.5% to Acinetobacter. Conclusion: Cefepime/tazobactam provided a better invitro sensitivity profile than other BL-BLI combinations studied. This in vitro data needs to be confirmed by clinical studies. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 2(1): 5-8