Effects of Cefepime and Meropenem on the Gastrointestinal Colonization ofSurgical Patients by <i>Candida albicans</i>

BACKGROUND: The study evaluated the effects of cefepime and meropenem on the gastrointestinal (GI) colonization of surgical patients by Candida albicans. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty adult surgical patients who received intravenously either of these antibiotics as monotherapy for the treatment of an existing infection were studied prospectively. Ten patients received cefepime (2.0 g twice a day), and another ten meropenem (1.0 g every 8 h) for 7 days. Quantitative stool cultures for C. albicans were performed immediately before, at the end, and 1 week after the end of antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Both antibiotics increased the GI colonization of patients by Candida. Meropenem caused a higher increase (2.0 log(10) CFU/g of stool) as compared to cefepime (1.7 log(10) CFU/g of stool). However, these increases were statistically not significant. CONCLUSION: Cefepime and meropenem when given to sensitive patients do not increase significantly the risk of Candida infection originating in the GI tract.