Abstract
The antimicrobial effect of grepafloxacin (GPFX), a newly developed quinolone derivative for oral use, on clinicaly isolated strains was examined in comparison with those of ofloxacin (OFLX), ciprofloxacin (CPFX), sparfloxacin (SPFX), and fleroxacin (FLRX). The antimicrobial effects of GPFX on MSSA, MRSA and Streptococcus pneumoniae among gram-positive bacilli were, like SPFX, superior to those of other tested drugs. In the case of gram-negative bacilli, the antimicrobial effect of GPFX was sufficient on Klebsiella pneumoniae although slightly inferior to CPFX, almost equal to those of other drugs on Haemophilus influenzae, and superior to those of other drugs on Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis, similar to the findings for SPFX. Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the antimicrobial effect was superior to that of the others but was slightly inferior to CPFX.
GPFX was orally administered to 20 patients with respiratory infection, mainly consisting of chronic airway infection, to examine its clinical efficacy and safety. The clinical result was effective in 17 cases and slightly effective in 3 cases, an efficacy rate of 85.0%. Bacteriologically, 13 pathogenic strains (P.aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Proteus vulgaris, K. pneumoniae and Xanthomonas maltophilia) were specified from 12 cases. Based on the bacteriological effect of GPFX on these 13 strains, the elimination rate was calculated as 53.8%. Side effects were observed in 3 cases (incidence: 15.0%): vertigo, drowsiness/numbness and wheal in 1 case each. Abnormal laboratory values were observed in 2 cases (incidence: 10.0%): increased serum GOT/GPT/Al-P and increased urinary urobilinogen in 1 case each.
