Bactericidal activity of oral beta-lactam antibiotics in plasma and urine versus isogenic Escherichia coli strains producing broad- and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.

Bacteria harbouring extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), derived by mutation from TEM-1, TEM-2 or SHV-1 beta-lactamases, have been described world-wide. The in vitro activities of these enzymes against beta-lactam antibiotics, including oral cephalosporins, are well recognised. The aim of this investigation was to assess the bactericidal activity of oral beta-lactam antibiotics available in Croatia (amoxicillin/clavulanate, cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefadroxil and ceftibuten), in biological fluids against isogenic Escherichia coli strains producing broad-spectrum (TEM-1, TEM-2 and SHV-1) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (SHV-2, SHV-3, SHV-4, SHV-5, SHV-12).