Quinupristin/dalfopristin: A review of its activity in experimental animal models of infection

Quinupristin/dalfopristin is a semisynthetic parenteral streptogramin combination consisting of two components, quinupristin (RP 57669) and dalfopristin (RP 54476), in a 30:70 (w/w) ratio. These compounds act synergically against many Gram-positive bacteria that cause severe infections. Several animal models have been used to study the in-vivo efficacy and pharmacodynamics of quinupristin/dalfopristin against infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. Studies of its efficacy in animal models of septicaemia, thigh infection, pneumonia and aortic endocarditis have shown it to be as active as vancomycin against S. aureus, including some methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), and as active as high doses of amoxycillin against penicillin-resistant and multi-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Thus, quinupristin/dalfopristin appears to have potential as an alternative to vancomycin in the management of severe staphylococcal and streptococcal infections, including those caused by MRSA and multi-resistant pneumococci.