Activity of temafloxacin and other fluoroquinolones against typical and atypical community-acquired respiratory tract pathogens

The microbiologic activities of temafloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin against community-acquired respiratory tract pathogens are reviewed. The 90% minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC90s) of these fluoroquinolones for gram-negative pathogens were generally comparable, that is, less than 0.06 micrograms/mL. Overall, the agents were less active against gram-positive pathogens, although temafloxacin was two- to fourfold more active than the other agents against staphylococci and streptococci. For strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae, temafloxacin was generally inhibitory at concentrations of 0.5-2 micrograms/mL. This microbiologic activity, combined with its pharmacokinetic profile, should make temafloxacin a useful antimicrobial agent for treating community-acquired respiratory tract infections.