ATP Synthase Inhibition of Mycobacterium avium Is Not Bactericidal

The efficacy of ATP synthase inhibitor TMC207 was assessed in early and late Mycobacterium avium infections in mice. In contrast to what was earlier observed for M. tuberculosis, a bacteriostatic effect was obtained. In vitro, the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC)/MIC ratio was very high. The MBC was more relevant for assessment of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships than the MIC.