An in vitro model for assessing optimum antibiotic dosage in urinary tract infection.

Experimental and clinical data from which dosage regimens can be rationally deduced are generally lacking. As an approach to this problem, an in vitro model of the urinary bladder has been constructed in which the conditions of exposure of bacteria to antibacterial drugs which exist in the treatment of cystitis are simulated. Results obtained so far correlate well with such clinical information as we possess and have helped to define more accurately the conditions which govern successful therapy of urinary infection. The most recent data suggest that much lower doses of some beta-lactam antibiotics than have been contemplated hitherto may be effective in the treatment of uncomplicated cystitis.