In-vitro activity of teicoplanin alone and in combination with rifampicin, gentamicin or tobramycin against coagulase-negative staphylococci.

The in vitro activity of teicoplanin and the effect of the combination of teicoplanin and rifampicin, gentamicin or tobramycin against 50 strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from blood cultures were studied. All strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci were inhibited by teicoplanin less than or equal to 8 mg/l. The combination of teicoplanin and rifampicin was synergistic against 29 strains and antagonistic against one strain. The combination of teicoplanin and gentamicin or tobramycin showed synergism or antagonism against only a few strains.