Abstract
Background
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) have limited therapeutic options for treatment. Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a newer anti-pseudomonal drug effective against resistant PA infections, however resistance against this drug has now also developed and is increasing. In this study, we explored the combination of ceftolozane/tazobactam (CT) and meropenem (MP) as a possible effective regimen against MDR and XDR PA.
Methods
We obtained 33 non-duplicate isolates of MDR and XDR PA grown from blood, urine and respiratory samples collected from patients admitted between 2015 and 2019 at our two affiliate teaching hospitals. MDR PA was defined as resistance to 3 or more classes of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics, and XDR PA as resistance to all but two or less classes of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics. Antimicrobial preparations of both MP and CT were made according to manufacturer instructions. Susceptibility testing was performed using the checkerboard method in accordance to CLSI guidelines (CLSI M100, 2017). The ATCC 27853 strain of PA used as control. Synergy, additive effect, indifference and antagonism were defined as FIC (fractional inhibitory concentration) indices of ≤0.5, >0.5 to <1, >1 to <4, and >4, respectively.
Results
Thirteen (39%) of 33 PA isolates were classified as XDR, while 20 (61%) PA isolates were MDR. All isolates were resistant to MP (MIC50 >32 ug/mL), while only 2 (6%) isolates were susceptible to CT (MIC50 64 ug/mL). A synergistic effect was seen in 9 (27.3%) of PA isolates (FIC index range 0.28 to 0.5)— 2 of which were XDR PA, and 7 were MDR PA. An additive effect was seen in 12 (36.4%), with indifference seen in 12 (36.4%) of isolates. In this study, no antagonism was seen when CT and MP were combined.
Conclusion
When used in combination, CT and MP can exert a synergistic effect against MDR and XDR PA. Additive effect and indifference can also be seen when both antibiotics were used. Moreover, there was no antagonism seen when both antibiotics were combined. This study shows that the use of CT and MP in combination may be an option against XDR and MDR PA infections.
Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures
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