Efficacy of FCE 22101 compared with imipenem and with gentamicin plus metronidazole in the treatment of experimental intra-abdominal infections in rats.

A reproducible experimental model of intra-abdominal infection in rats has been created to simulate infection in humans. Preoperatively, the rats were fed with lean ground beef for two weeks in order to change the intestinal microflora into a flora similar to that found in 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. This experimental model was used to compare the efficacies of FCE 22101, imipenem, and gentamicin combined with metronidazole in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections. Eighty per cent of the untreated animals died within three days. Animals treated with FCE 22101, imipenem or the combination gentamicin plus metronidazole had significantly less mortality and greater cure rates during the experimental period. Only 5% of these animals died. FCE 22101 seems to be useful in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections and deserves further clinical investigation.