Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of four common fluoroquinolone drugs over a year period on some clinical isolates. It also aimed at comparing statistically the average effects of each drug on the isolates. Five different clinical samples (urine, sputum, wound, blood and high vaginal swab [HVS]) from patients attending a university medical centre (between June 2011 and May 2012) were analysed for the purpose of bacteria isolation. The isolates were tested with commonly used flouroquinolones: pefloxacin (30 µg), ofloxacin (30 µg), sparfloxacin (10 µg), and ciprofloxacin (10 µg). Each sensitivity test was done in duplicate and a mean average of zone of inhibition was recorded. One hundred and eighty eight bacteria were isolated: Staphylococcus aureus (44.7%), Streptococcus pyogenes (6.4%), Escherichia coli (28.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.5%), Klebsiella pneumonia (8.0%), and Proteus mirabilis (4.3%). All drugs were equally potent against the isolates, but a higher potency was seen in ofloxacin against P. mirabilis. The fluoroquinolones are a group of broad spectrum drugs effective in clinical cases. Their efficacy should be preserved by ensuring strict compliance to local drug policies.

Key words: Clinical, fluoroquinolones, efficacy.