LAUSR

Abstract Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) is an opportunistic pathogen known to cause complications in critically ill patients worldwide. In those at risk of infection with multidrug-resistant strains (MDR-PSA), dual antibiotic therapy is often considered. However, this practice may contribute to rising resistance rates and poor outcomes if empirical selection is suboptimal. WCK 5222 (cefepime/zidebactam), a novel β-lactam/β-lactam enhancer, may offer a solution. Methods Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for WCK 5222, amikacin (AMK), fosfomycin (FOF), cefepime (FEP), ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T), and meropenem (MEM) against 18 clinical PSA isolates using gradient diffusion strip (GDS) methods. Activities of FEP, C/T, and MEM in combination with AMK and FOF were assessed using GDS for isolates nonsusceptible to the β-lactam (MICs >8 mg/L, >4/4 mg/L, and >2 mg/L, respectively). Synergy was defined as a fractional inhibitory concentration index ≤ 0.5. Instances of restored β-lactam susceptibility when tested in combination were compared with the proportion of WCK 5222 MICs ≤ 8 mg/L. Results WCK 5222 MICs ranged from 2 to 32 mg/L (MIC50, 8 mg/L). Rates of susceptibility were: AMK (67%), FOF (44%, MIC ≤ 64 mg/L), FEP (6%), C/T (33%), MEM (0%). Combinations with C/T most frequently demonstrated synergy (C/T-FOF, 42%; C/T-AMK, 33%) and restored C/T susceptibility was observed in 42% of assessments with FOF and in 50% with AMK. For FEP combinations, synergy was observed in 29% and 18% of assessments with FOF and AMK, respectively, with restored susceptibility in 6% for both combinations. Synergy occurred in 11% and 6% of assessments of MEM with FOF and AMK, respectively, with zero instances of restored susceptibility. In total, β-lactam susceptibility was restored in 14% (13/94) of combinations compared with 78% (14/18) of WCK 5222 MICs ≤ 8 mg/L. Conclusion In a selection of MDR-PSA isolates that included carbapenem- and C/T-resistant strains, WCK 5222 MICs ≤ 8 mg/L (cefepime susceptible) were observed more frequently than restoration of susceptibility in select β-lactams in combination with FOF or AMK. WCK 5222 monotherapy may offer enhanced coverage of MDR-PSA over empirically selected combination therapies. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.