Efficacy of L-627, a new carbapenem, in the treatment of experimentally induced intra-abdominal infections in rats.

A reproducible experimental model of intra-abdominal infections in rats has been devised in order to simulate intra-abdominal sepsis in patients. Pre-operatively, the rats were fed lean ground beef for two weeks in order to change the intestinal flora to one similar to that of humans. A 1-cm segment of ileum was isolated on its vascular pedicle. The intestine was then divided at each end of the segment and intestinal continuity was re-established by an end-to-end anastomosis. The segment of ileum was then returned to the abdominal cavity. This experimental model was used to compare the efficacy of L-627 with the combination of gentamicin plus metronidazole. Eighty per cent of the untreated animals died within three days. Animals treated with L-627 or gentamicin plus metronidazole had significantly decreased mortality and increased cure rates during the experimental period. Only two animals in the two treatment groups died. L-627 seems to be as useful as gentamicin plus metronidazole in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections.