IN VITRO EVALUATION OF SF-2103A, A NOVEL CARBAPENEM ANTIBIOTIC, AS A β-LACTAMASE INHIBITOR

Abstract

SF-2103A, a new carbapenem antibiotic, exhibited a broad antibacterial spectrum and a potent inhibitory activity against a wide range of β-lactamases, in particular, against cephalosporinases, with lower I₅₀ values than those displayed by sulbactam and clavulanic acid. Using a fixed combination and checkerboard titration, in vitro synergy against the majority of the β-lactamase-producing strains tested was demonstrated between SF-2103A and various β-lactam antibiotics, especially cefotaxime, ceftizoxime, and cefoperazone. The synergistic effect of SF-2103A was more pronounced than that of sulbactam. The in vitro synergy was also confirmed by bactericidal and bacteriolytic activities and morphological effects.