Current problems in the treatment of infective endocarditis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Mortality from pseudomonas infective endocarditis remains high despite optimal use of available antibacterial agents. Infection of the tricuspid valve is subacute, but involvement of the mitral or aortic valve precipitates more serious disease. Most valvular infections are due to a single pseudomonad immunotype, but 20% of cases are mixed infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and tests of synergy by beta-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics in combination were performed on 30 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Azlocillin was the most effective beta-lactam in combination with an aminoglycoside; MKO 787 was least effective. Among the aminoglycosides tested, netilmicin was the most effective. Medical treatment combined with valvulectomy (without valve replacement) is now standard treatment for refractory right-sided endocarditis at this medical center. A high dose of aminoglycoside in combination with a beta-lactam has proved efficacious. For left-sided infection, immediate valve replacement accompanied by a six-week course of the high dose-combined drug regimen is recommended. Newer beta-lactam antibiotics, such as piperacillin, may be limited in usefulness due to beta-lactamase inactivation.