Enzymic degradation of a β-lactam antibiotic, ampicillin, in the gut: a novel treatment modality

Authors: Harmoinen, Jaana; Vaali, Kirsi; Koski, Pertti; Syrjänen, Kaisa; Laitinen, Outi; Lindevall, Kai; Westermarck, Elias

Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Volume 51, Number 2, February 2003 , pp. 361-365(5)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

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Abstract:

Antibiotics can cause severe alterations in the gut microflora and promote diarrhoea and overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. The present study investigated the potency of targeted recombinant β-lactamase (TRBL) to degrade a β-lactam antibiotic in the jejunum of fistula-operated beagles. We used different peroral doses of purified β-lactamase (PenP) of Bacillus licheniformis in enteric-coated pellets together with intravenous ampicillin. Serum and jejunal samples were collected for ampicillin and β-lactamase analysis. A dose–response effect of TRBL on ampicillin concentrations in the jejunal samples could be observed. The highest doses applied decreased the jejunal ampicillin concentrations to undetectable levels. In the serum samples, the ampicillin concentrations were not affected by the β-lactamase dose used. Our results indicate that it may be possible to evolve a targeted treatment to degrade β-lactam antibiotics intestinally and, thus, decrease antibiotic-induced adverse effects on the gut microflora.

Keywords: β-lactamase, β-lactams, jejunum, microflora

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkg095

Publication date: 2003-02-01

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The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy is among the foremost international journals in antimicrobial research. Our readership includes representatives of academia, industry and health services, and includes those who are influential in formulary decisions.