Time-kill curves as a tool for targeting ceftazidime serum concentration during continuous infusion for treatment of septicaemic melioidosis.

Melioidosis is a fatal community-acquired infection endemic in tropical areas. Ten isolates of the causative microorganism were subjected to time-kill study using a range of ceftazidime concentrations. This study demonstrated that a ceftazidime concentration of eight times the minimum inhibitory concentration yielded an optimal bactericidal effect and should be the target concentration administered by continuous infusion.