Comparative effects of ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem on the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract of mice by Candida albicans.

We evaluated the effect of three carbapenems on gut colonization of mice by Candida albicans. A total of 150 Crl:CD1 (ICR) BR mice were fed chow containing C. albicans or regular chow. Both groups were subsequently treated either with one carbapenem or with normal saline for 10 days. Stool cultures to determine colonization by C. albicans were performed immediately before, at the end, and one week after the end of treatment. Candida-colonized mice that received carbapenems had substantially higher C. albicans concentrations than control animals fed C. albicans, especially if they received ertapenem. Mice fed regular chow and treated with the study antibiotics or saline did not have Candida in their stools. Candida was not detected in the internal organs of any group of mice.