Comparative in-vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of levofloxacin brands available in Pakistan

Sajid Bashir, Syeda Rabia Nasir, Faisal Usman, Ibrahim Javed

Abstract


Background: Antimicrobial susceptibility against marketed antibiotic products is dynamic and changes with development of resistance in microbes. Susceptibility status of antibiotics helps health care practitioners in refining their prescribing trends and selection of suitable antibiotic and its commercial brand. Objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity and susceptibility patterns of levofloxacin of different national and multinational brands in Pakistan. Levofloxacin is among the commonly mis-prescribed antibiotic in Pakistan and this study will give an insight of microbial resistance/susceptibility status against quinolones and help prescribing practice.

Methods: In this study 29 Different brands of levofloxacin from different cities of Pakistan are evaluated for their sensitivity against four microbial strains i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella Pneumonia. Evaluation was performed via disc diffusion method against standard drug discs.

Result: Different brands exhibited different antimicrobial status regardless of their price and national or multinational status. In low price range, Levomerc while Tavanic in high price range showed significant antimicrobial activity. Different brands are evaluated and compared statistically with price and activity as variant.

Conclusion: Antimicrobial activity of different brands of Levofloxacin varied regardless of their national/multinational status and price factor. This study refined the suitability of different brands of Levofloxacin against respective pathogens and disease indications.


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References


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