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Further information
The antibacterial drug cefquinome is a broad spectrum cephalosporin of the fourth generation which acts by inhibition of cell wall synthesis. It is bactericidal and is characterised by its broad therapeutic spectrum of activity and a high stability against penicillinases and beta-lactamases.
In vitro activity has been demonstrated against common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli, Citrobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Pasteurella spp., Proteus spp., Salmonella spp., Serratia marcescens, Arcanobacterium pyognes, Corynebacterium spp., Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative Staphylococci, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus bovis.
Following bacterial species: Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase negative Staphylococci, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from a field study conducted between 2000 and 2002 in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands proved to be susceptible to cefquinome with MIC values between ≤ 0.008 µg/ml and 2.0 µg/ml.
An overview of the MIC90 of each bacterial pathogen is presented below (Bacterial species isolated / MIC90 (µg/ml)) Staphylococcus aureus / 0.5; coagulase negative Staphylococci / 0.5; Streptococcus uberis / 0.063; Streptococcus dysgalactiae / ≤0.008; Streptococcus agalactiae / 0.032.
Cefquinome as a fourth generation cephalosporin combines high cellular penetration and β-lactamase stability. In contrast to cephalosporins of previous generations, cefquinome is not hydrolysed by chromosomally–encoded cephalosporinases of the Amp-C type or by plasmid mediated cephalosporinases of some enterobacterial species. However, some extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) can hydrolyse cefquinome and cephalosporins of other generations. The potential for resistance development against cefquinome is rather low. High-level resistance to cefquinome would require the coincidence of two genetic modifications, i.e. hyperproduction of specific β-lactamases as well as decreased membrane permeability.
No cross-resistance has been described for the mechanism of alteration of penicillin binding protein encountered in Gram positive bacteria. Resistance due to changes in membrane permeability might result in cross-resistance.
Resorption of cefquinome from the udder to the systemic circulation is insignificant. The cefquinome concentrations reach a peak in the dry udder secretions after 7 to 14 days and slowly decrease during the dry period.