Ceftazidime in patients with Pseudomonas infections.

Ceftazidime was administered to 41 patients with serious infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24 cases) and other bacteria (17 cases). The clinical response rate of pseudomonas infections (88%) was similar to that of other bacteria (94%) with microbiological eradication of 83% of initial pseudomonas isolates compared to 82% of non-pseudomonas strains. The development of resistance to ceftazidime during therapy was observed in 3 cases (Enterobacter agglomerans, Enterobacter cloacae, and Ps. aeruginosa), and superinfection by a resistant Enterobacter agglomerans occurred in one case. Adverse reactions of clinical significance included two cases of leukopenia and one case each of azotaemia, diarrhoea (Clostridium difficile toxin positive), and rash.