Introduction Burkholderia spp infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) confers a worse prognosis, with increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment can be problematic because strains are often resistant to many of the commonly available intravenous antibiotics, leading to a search for new therapies. We have studied the use of Temocillin, a derivative of Ticarcillin with promising in-vitro activitiy against Burkholderia spp,¹ in the treatment of acute exacerbations in CF patients infected with Burkholderia spp.

Methods We have used Temocillin in IV form, often in combination, in acute respiratory exacerbations in CF patients attending our large adult unit who are chronically infected with Burkholderia spp. We present our two year data, looking at the subspecies treated, length of treatment, improvement in clinical parameters, and co-antibiotic use.

Results Nineteen courses of IV Temocillin were administered to 7 CF patients (mean age 29 years, [range 23–42 years], 2 males, 1 infected with B Cenocepacia, 6 with B Multivorans.) All patients completed their treatment without complication.

Median length of Temocillin treatment was 9.7 days (range 3–16 days), and most patients finished their therapy as outpatients (mean inpatient stay 5.2 days). All patients had clinical improvement, with all gaining weight (mean 3 kg [range 6.5 to 0.9]) and most increased spirometry (mean change in FEV1% predicted 6 [17 to -3]).

As regards the efficacy of co-antibiotic use, the 11 courses accompanied by Ceftazidime had a mean 3% improvement in FEV1, 8% with Meropenem (6 courses) and 9% with Colomycin (2 courses).

Discussion This clinical study has shown that Temocillin is well tolerated by CF patients and is associated with clinical improvement in those infected with Burkholderia spp when given in combination with other antibiotics. Temocillin adds to the limited antibiotic armamentarium available to treat these difficult infections in CF patients and we recommend its use to other clinicians.

Reference 1 Bonacorsi S, Fitoussi F, Lhopital S, Bingen E. Comparative in vitro activities of meropenem, imipenem, temocillin, piperacillin, and ceftazidime in combination with tobramycin, rifampin or ciprofloxacin against Burkholderia cepacia isolates from patients with cystic fibrosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1999;43:213–217