Comparative in vitro activity of ceftibuten (Sch 39720) against bacterial enteropathogens

Ceftibuten is a new orally active cephalosporin with significant bioavailability. Its in vitro activity was compared with those of other agents against 383 strains of enteric pathogens derived from clinical specimens. Ceftibuten was very active against the strains of the family Enterobacteriaceae tested (overall MIC for 90% of strains tested, 0.25 microgram/ml) but was less active against Campylobacter jejuni (MIC for 90% of strains, 16 micrograms/ml). The MBC was one to two dilutions higher than the corresponding MICs for most pathogens tested.