The in-vitro activity of temafloxacin, against Gram-positive bacteria

Temafloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone with enhanced activity against Gram-positive bacteria, was compared with other antibiotics. A review of the literature on the in vitro activity of temafloxacin was also done. The susceptibility of Gram-positive cocci isolated from blood cultures was determined using a broth microdilution method. Temafloxacin MIC₉₀s for Staphylococcus aureus (oxacillin-sensitive and resistant) and Streptococcus pneumoniae were < 0.12, < 0.12 and 0.76 mg/L respectively. Temafloxacin was more active than either ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin against these organisms. A review of the literature supported these findings. Temafloxacin was the most active of the quinones tested against a small number of S. pneumoniae with decreased sensitivity to penicillin. Temafloxacin activity was not appreciably affected by changes in pH or the presence of serum, but activity was slightly reduced in urine at pH 6.5-7.2, and at high magnesium ion concentrations. With the exception of S. pneumoniae at high concentration, no significant inoculum effect was observed.