The effects of exposure time, drug concentration, and temperature on the activity of ethambutol versus Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The American Review of Respiratory Disease
P R GangadharamM D Iseman

Abstract

In a series of dynamic in vitro studies designed to assess the activity of ethambutol (EMB) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we made the following observations. Ethambutol showed bactericidal action with 10 micrograms/ml concentration when in constant contact with M. tuberculosis. At a lower concentration, bactericidal action was evident up to 6 days; after that time, this effect was lost owing to the development of drug-resistant mutants. The bactericidal action of ethambutol in this model was similar to that of rifampin and isoniazid. Pulsed exposure for 96 h caused a four-log reduction in cfu counts, but the growth resumed rapidly. The bactericidal action of ethambutol was maximal at 37 degrees C and less at low temperatures. Ethambutol showed little activity against cultures growing at 8 degrees C continuously that were incubated for only 1 h at 37 degrees C. Against cultures growing at 8 degrees C that were brought to 37 degrees C for 6 h, its action was similar to that of rifampin. Ethambutol combined with other drugs showed bactericidal action, although the activity was less than that of the combination isoniazid-streptomycin.

References

Dec 1, 1979·Chest·D A Mitchison
Apr 20, 1966·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·V A PlaceR R Little

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Citations

Nov 1, 1994·European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology·L G Wayne
Aug 1, 1994·International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents·V St Georgiev
Dec 24, 2008·Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·Angela M StarksJames E Posey
Aug 1, 1992·Tubercle and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·P R GangadharamJ F O'Sullivan

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