[Clinical evaluation of sulbactam/cefoperazone for lower respiratory tract infections. Correlation between the efficacy of sulbactam/cefoperazone and beta-lactamase]

The efficacy and safety of sulbactam/cefoperazone (SBT/CPZ) were evaluated in 42 patients with respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia (29 patients) and lower respiratory tract infections (5 patients). Overall clinical efficacy rates (excellent + good) were 79% in pneumonia and 80% in respiratory tract infections in 34 patients evaluated for clinical efficacy. It was excellent that the clinical efficacy rate was 92% in mild and moderate pneumonia. Pathogens isolated from sputa were 31 strains, including 8 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 7 of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 3 of Staphylococcus aureus and 3 of Haemophilus influenzae. Since the isolates were eradicated in 18 strains, replaced in 3, unchanged in 2 and unknown in 8, the overall eradication rate was 91%. The eradication rates were 89% in beta-lactamase producing strains and 100% in beta-lactamase positive sputum, and excellent or good in 19 (83%) of 23 patients with beta-lactamase negative sputum. The eradication rate was 88% in 5 patients with beta-lactamase positive sputum. One patient experienced a moderate rash. Abnormal laboratory test values were observed in 10 patients (26.3%), but these abnormalities were mild and transient. These results suggested that SBT/CPZ was effective and safe for the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by beta-lactamase producing as well as beta-lactamase non-producing bacteria.