Therapeutic effects of parenteral beta-lactam antibiotics on experimental otitis media caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in guinea-pigs.

ABSTRACT

The therapeutic effects of parenteral beta-lactam antibiotics were evaluated in experimental acute otitis media caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) in guinea-pigs. Cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and piperacillin significantly reduced viable cell counts of PRSP in the middle ear at a dose of 50 mg/kg bd for 3 days (P < 0.01 compared with control). The therapeutic effects of cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and piperacillin were superior to those of cefotiam and ceftazidime. These therapeutic effects reflected both in vitro activity and pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs.