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In vitro antimicrobial activity of imipenem in combination with vancomycin or teicoplanin againstStaphylococcus aureus andStaphylococcus epidermidis

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Abstract

The interaction between imipenem and two glycopeptides against staphylococci was examined for potential synergy. Imipenem in combination with vancomycin or teicoplanin exerted a synergistic or additive effect against a majority ofStaphylococcus aureus andStaphylococcus epidermidis isolates tested by the checkerboard method. Synergistic inhibitory effects were frequently accompanied by synergistic bactericidal effects. For a proportion of bacterial isolates of both species, the demonstration of synergy by the checkerboard method was confirmed by time-kill studies using antibiotic combinations at the MICs or at achievable serum antibiotic levels. Only with a single isolate ofStaphylococcus epidermidis was antagonism with either antibiotic combination recorded.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bacteriology, Royal Victorial Hospital, Grosvenor Road, BT12 6BA, Belfast, UK

    J. G. Barr, E. T. M. Smyth & G. M. Hogg

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  1. J. G. Barr
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  2. E. T. M. Smyth
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  3. G. M. Hogg
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Barr, J.G., Smyth, E.T.M. & Hogg, G.M. In vitro antimicrobial activity of imipenem in combination with vancomycin or teicoplanin againstStaphylococcus aureus andStaphylococcus epidermidis . Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 9, 804–809 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01967378

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