Aim
The objective of this study was to assess if avibactam, a new β-lactamase inhibitor, can restore the potency of carbapenems, a sub-class of β-lactams, against Mycobacterium abscessus clinical isolates. Materials &
Conclusion
Avibactam restores MICs of tebipenem, ertapenem and panipenem against M. abscessus to therapeutically achievable concentrations and raises the possibility of usefulness of these carbapenems to treat drug-resistant M. abscessus infections.
Methods
28 M. abscessus clinical isolates that are resistant to multiple drugs currently used to treat its infection were included. MIC of carbapenems alone and in combination with avibactam against these strains were determined.
Results
Tebipenem, an oral carbapenem, and ertapenem and panipenem exhibited the greatest shift in MIC when supplemented with avibactam.