INVITRO EFFECTS OF TEICOPLANIN, TEICOPLANIN DERIVATIVE MDL-62211 AND VANCOMYCIN ON HUMAN POLYMORPHONUCLEAR CELL-FUNCTION

The in-vitro effects on human neutrophil (PMN) functions of three structurally related glycopeptide antibiotics, vancomycin, teicoplanin and the teicoplanin derivative MDL 62211 were investigated. Teicoplanin and MDL 62211 significantly inhibited adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis and killing of Candida albicans by PMN's at a concentration of 500 /l, whereas PMN viability was only affected at drug concentrations of 2000 /l. Vancomycin interfered with PMN adherence and phagocytosis only at a concentration of 2000 /l without affecting PMN viability. Chemotaxis and killing of C. albicans were also not affected by this concentration.Teicoplanin and the teicoplanin-derivative MDL 62211 was found to have adverse effects on selected indices of PMN function in vitro only at concentrations higher than those employed in therapy, while vancomycin interfered only at very high concentrations. © 1991 The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.