The spiramycin paradox.

Abstract

Spiramycin has been found to be effective in a variety of clinical and experimental infections despite modest in-vitro activity. In animal models of infection, spiramycin has been found to be as effective as or more effective than erythromycin despite inferior in-vitro activity. These paradoxical results are explained in part by spiramycin's ability to achieve intra-cellular and tissue concentrations that exceed serum concentrations by a factor of ten or more. Furthermore, spiramycin clearance from these sites is much lower resulting in sustained tissue and intracellular concentrations. Finally, spiramycin appears to produce a substantial post-antibiotic effect and, possibly, subinhibitory effects that may further enhance its in-vivo activity.

• Authors: C R Smith
• Journal: The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy (J Antimicrob Chemother) Vol. 22 Suppl B Pg. 141-4 (Jul 1988) ISSN: 0305-7453 [Print] England
• PMID: 3053567 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Leucomycins

Topics

• Animals
• Humans
• Leucomycins (pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)