C reactive protein concentrations in neonates: determination by a latex enhanced immunoassay

A latex enhanced immunoassay on a centrifugal fast analyser was used to compare serum C reactive protein concentrations in maternal and neonatal blood. In the neonate the C reactive protein concentration at birth was less than 1.0 mg/l; the concentration rose slightly during the first two weeks of life. There was no correlation between C reactive protein concentrations in maternal and neonatal sera. No significant difference was found between the C reactive protein concentrations in blood obtained by either heel prick or venepuncture.

Cefuroxime, a new cephalosporin antibiotic: activity in vivo

The pharmacokinetic properties of cefuroxime have been evaluated in laboratory animals. On injection into mice, rats, and rabbits by the subcutaneous or intramuscular routes, high serum level peaks were recorded. There was no significant absorption after oral administration. After injection, the antibiotic was excreted in large amounts in the urine. It was well distributed in the body and penetrated into the tissues at a satisfactory rate. This, coupled with a low degree of serum protein binding, was correlated with a very good protective effect in animals (mice, rats, and rabbits) experimentally infected with a wide range of bacteria, including beta-lactamase-producing strains. It is concluded that cefuroxime should have a good potential for treating a wide range of bacterial infections in humans.

Inhibition of beta-lactamases by beta-lactam antibiotics

The inhibitory properties of a selected number of beta-lactam antibiotics were studied, with the use of three distinct types of beta-lactamases. The three enzymes were found to be distinguishable on the basis of their susceptibility to inhibition. Not one of the potential inhibitors tested was found to be a potent inhibitor of all three enzymes, but nafcillin possessed the broadest inhibitory activity. The enzyme isolated from Enterobacter cloacae was found to be the most susceptible. In some cases, the degree of inhibition varied with the time of incubation, and, depending upon the time chosen, widely different observations could be made. It is suggested that, in studies such as these, every consideration should be given to the period of incubation and to the concentration of inhibitor employed. Mixtures of inhibitor and cephaloridine did not always act synergistically against growing bacteria, and a number of reasons for failure are suggested.