In Vitro Bactericidal Activity of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Alone and in Combination with Colistin against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2016 Oct 21;60(11):6903-6906. doi: 10.1128/AAC.01082-16. Print 2016 Nov.

Abstract

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole alone and combined with colistin was tested in vitro against six carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) clinical strains. After 24 h, at achievable serum concentrations, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole effectively killed all strains, while colistin killed only one strain. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole plus colistin rapidly killed all strains after 6 h and for up to 24 h. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, one of the few remaining antimicrobials that still has a degree of activity, particularly combined with colistin, might represent an effective therapy for severe CRAB infections.

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter Infections / drug therapy
  • Acinetobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / drug effects*
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / genetics
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Carbapenems / pharmacology*
  • Colistin / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Carbapenems
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
  • Colistin

Grants and funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.