Rifabutin Acts in Synergy and Is Bactericidal with Frontline Mycobacterium abscessus Antibiotics Clarithromycin and Tigecycline, Suggesting a Potent Treatment Combination.

ABSTRACT: Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly emerging mycobacterial pathogen causing dangerous pulmonary infections. Because these bacteria are intrinsically multidrug resistant, treatment options are limited and have questionable efficacy. The current treatment regimen relies on a combination of antibiotics, including clarithromycin paired with amikacin and either imipenem or cefoxitin. Tigecycline may be added when triple therapy is ineffective. We initially screened a library containing the majority of clinically available antibiotics for anti-M. abscessus activity. The screen identified rifabutin, which was then investigated for its interactions with M. abscessus antibiotics used in drug regimens. Combination of rifabutin with either clarithromycin or tigecycline generated synergistic anti-M.

SUBMITTER: Pryjma M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6105836 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature