Azidocillin Treatment of Enterococcal Septicemia

Abstract

Two cases of enterococcal septicemia are reported which were successfully treated with azidocillin, a new penicillin derivative more effective in vitro against enterococci than penicillin G and even ampicillin. One cholecystectomized patient had septicemia but no signs of endocarditis. The other developed enterococcal septicemia after a bladder catheterization. Aortic valve engagement followed with valvular destruction and progressive insufficiency of the heart This was successfully treated surgically. Both patients are now in a good state of health. In both cases azidocillin levels in serum were well above the bactericidal concentrations for the enterococci involved. In vitro studies demonstrated synergistic action of streptomycin, but further laboratory and clinical studies are necessary to guide a clinical exploitation of this effect.