Effects of cefepime and meropenem on the gastrointestinal colonization of surgical patients by Candida albicans.
Author(s): Samonis G, Thomakos N, Liakakos T, Macheras A, Mandrekas D, Kanavaki S, Bafaloukos D, Maraki S
Affiliation(s): Division of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Publication date & source: 2001-09, Chemotherapy., 47(5):350-3.
Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND: The study evaluated the effects of cefepime and meropenem on the gastrointestinal (GI) colonization of surgical patients by Candida albicans. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty adult surgical patients who received intravenously either of these antibiotics as monotherapy for the treatment of an existing infection were studied prospectively. Ten patients received cefepime (2.0 g twice a day), and another ten meropenem (1.0 g every 8 h) for 7 days. Quantitative stool cultures for C. albicans were performed immediately before, at the end, and 1 week after the end of antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Both antibiotics increased the GI colonization of patients by Candida. Meropenem caused a higher increase (2.0 log(10) CFU/g of stool) as compared to cefepime (1.7 log(10) CFU/g of stool). However, these increases were statistically not significant. CONCLUSION: Cefepime and meropenem when given to sensitive patients do not increase significantly the risk of Candida infection originating in the GI tract. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
|