Selection of a suitable antibiotic combination for broad spectrum action in an Autoinjector for field use in emergency

Abstract

Disasters can be natural such as landslides, earthquakes, floods, road and rail accidents and outbreak of disease. They can be manmade also like chemical, biological and nuclear attacks. In both situations, significant social, environmental and economical impact would occur. Casualties following disasters, and major accidents could escalate very rapidly if necessary preventive methods are not followed. Since such events are sudden and rapid, it is very difficult or may not be possible to mobilise the exposed casualties for medical treatment by trained personnel. With rapid and appropriate intervention, high morbidity and mortality resulting from communicable diseases can be avoided. Autoinjector with an antibacterial drug would be very useful for the immediate administration in an emergency and critical situations like trauma and serious injuries. Amikacin is a preferred antibacterial drug for the newly developed device. It is a reusable autoinjector in which the drug cartridges can be changed and can deliver full dose or partial dose. Many severe infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E.coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Serratia and other gram-negative bacteria resistant to other antibiotics are treated with amikacin. Since amikacin acts mostly against gram negative bacteria, a gram positive antibacterial drug is required in combination. Cefazolin, a and#946;eta lactum antibiotic could be a better option if it is combined with the already developed amikacin drug cartridge for broad spectrum action. The chosen antimicrobials are bactericidal in nature and when a beta lactum antibiotic is combined with an aminoglycoside, the activity is increased as the permeability changes produced by the beta lactum can improve the entry of aminoglycoside in to the microorganism. Thus thesis emphasizes the requirement of such a combined antimicrobial for broad action and the need for the study to evaluate in vitro and in vivo for its effectiveness, tolerability, safety and acceptability using animal models. newline