Meningitis due to beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae: successful treatment with cefuroxime

Chemotherapy. 1982;28(4):304-9. doi: 10.1159/000238095.

Abstract

We have studied the clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime in 3 children aged 5, 7 and 10 months who were suffering from meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae group b (beta-lactamase producers). The MICs of chloramphenicol against these three beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae isolates were 8, 3.1 and 16 micrograms/ml, and those of cefuroxime were 0.25, 0.5 and 0.12 microgram/ml, respectively. The dosage of cefuroxime was 100 mg/kg/day divided in four 6-hourly intravenous doses for 15 days, and 10 mg given intrathecally every 48 h. Blood and spinal fluid levels were determined by microbiological assay. All the 3 children had excellent clinical and bacteriological responses with negative spinal fluid cultures after 48 h of treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Cefuroxime / metabolism
  • Cefuroxime / therapeutic use*
  • Cephalosporins / therapeutic use*
  • Chloramphenicol / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Haemophilus influenzae / enzymology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Haemophilus / drug therapy*
  • Meningitis, Haemophilus / metabolism
  • beta-Lactamases / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Cephalosporins
  • Chloramphenicol
  • beta-Lactamases
  • Cefuroxime