The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Apr 2010
ReviewResponding to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza: the role of oseltamivir.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza is affecting countries in all five continents, with most cases so far having been reported in North and South America and Europe, and children and young adults being the most susceptible age groups. To date, the clinical course of disease is typically mild, with low hospitalization and mortality rates. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is susceptible to oseltamivir and, although few clinical data are yet available, current information suggests that treatment with oseltamivir appears to be beneficial. ⋯ Roche is also offering support such as reprocessing of expiring capsule stocks (in development) and shelf-life extension to support governments in the management of their stockpiles. Clinical studies, either sponsored by or supported by Roche, are in progress. These trials are designed to investigate the effectiveness of oseltamivir in patients infected with the pandemic virus in greater depth, and include high-dose studies, assessment of natural and drug-induced resistance, and response to treatment in high-risk populations such as young infants, immunocompromised patients and the severely ill.
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Apr 2010
ReviewPharmacokinetics of oseltamivir: an oral antiviral for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza in diverse populations.
Influenza is a transmissible viral pathogen that continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Oseltamivir is an orally administered antiviral medication that selectively inhibits the influenza neuraminidase enzymes that are essential for viral replication. Treatment of infected children > or =1 year and adults of all ages may decrease the severity and duration of the symptoms of infection, while prophylactic dosing can prevent their onset. ⋯ The pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate are dose proportional after repeated doses of up to 500 mg twice daily. This predictable profile means that oseltamivir is suitable for use in diverse patient populations, which may include young children and elderly patients, various ethnic groups and those with renal or hepatic impairment. As the potential for drug interactions is low, oseltamivir is also suitable for use in patients with co-morbid conditions who are likely to be receiving concomitant medications.
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Apr 2010
Linezolid use for treatment of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, New York City, 2000-06.
Rationale Linezolid may be effective for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB); however, serious adverse events are common and there is little information on the management of these toxicities. ⋯ The majority of MDR TB patients on linezolid had favourable treatment outcomes, although treatment was complicated by adverse events that required extensive clinical management.
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Apr 2010
High prevalence of CTX-M beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in stool specimens obtained from healthy individuals in Thailand.
To determine the prevalence of CTX-M beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in stool specimens obtained from healthy individuals in a rural area of Thailand. ⋯ The study revealed the wide dissemination of CTX-M beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the healthy population.
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Apr 2010
Comparative StudyComparison of the 'Denver regimen' against acute tuberculosis in the mouse and guinea pig.
In this study, we sought to compare the sterilizing activity of human-equivalent doses of the 'Denver regimen' against acute tuberculosis (TB) infection in the standard mouse model and in the guinea pig. ⋯ Treatment with rifampicin/isoniazid/pyrazinamide administered at human-equivalent doses is much more potent against acute TB infection in guinea pigs than in mice. Our findings have important implications for the use of alternative animal models in testing novel TB drug regimens and for modelling M. tuberculosis persistence.