Purpose: To develop mathematical formulae to aid the selection of antibiotics most appropriate in the empirical treatment of infections.
Methods: Formulae quantifying the characteristics of antibiotics with regard to their cost and activity against associated bacterial isolates of given infections were derived from probability laws. Data from records of culture sensitivity test results were compiled and analysed to ascertain bacterial pathogen associations with infections and their sensitivities to prescribed antibiotics. Applicability of derived formulae was demonstrated in the rational selection of antibiotics most appropriate in the empirical treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in selected hospitals in Lesotho.
Results: Escherichia coli
, followed by
Klebsiella
spp,
Proteus
spp, non-haemolytic
Streptococci
,
Streptococcus pyogenes
and then,
Pseudomonas
spp were identified as the most common uropathogens at the hospitals studied. Two mathematical formulae were derived and used in quantifying activity and cost characteristics of prescribed antibiotics. Cefotaxime, followed by ciprofloxacin - were considered most appropriate for use in treating UTIs empirically among inpatients of the hospitals.
Conclusion: Quantifying and using procedurally antibacterial activities and cost characteristics of antibiotics provides a suitable means of making antibiotic choices in the empirical treatment of infections.
