CEFUROXIME THERAPY FOR URINARY-TRACT INFECTIONS CAUSED BY A MULTI-RESISTANT, EPIDEMIC KLEBSIELLA-AEROGENES

The activity of cefuroxime in vitro against the epidemic kiebsiella was superior to that of other cephalosporins. Twenty courses of cefuroxime were given to 18 patients with urinary tract infections caused by the kiebsiella. Underlying abnormalities of the urinary tract were present in 16 of the infections treated. Eradication of the klebsiella was seen following 84% of the courses of cefuroxime, but at 4 to 6 weeks after therapy eradication was only maintained in 23%. There were no definitely associated side-effects or toxicity. Mean peak serum concentrations of cefuroxime following 750 mg and 500 mg were 26.1 mg/l and 17.5 mg/l respectively. Cefuroxime is a valuable antibiotic in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections caused by a very resistant kiebsiella. © 1979, by The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.