The use of first-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, cefalexin and cefradine, is not associated with induction of simulated Clostridioides difficile infection

Objectives: The use of broad-spectrum cephalosporins is associated with induction of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Recent knowledge on the importance of the healthy microbiota in preventing pathogen colonization/outgrowth highlights the caution needed when prescribing broad-spectrumantibiotics. The use of historical narrow-spectrum antibiotics, such as first-generation cephalosporins, is gaining increased attention once more as they have a reduced impact on the microbiota whilst treating infections. Here, the effects of two firstgeneration cephalosporins, compared with a third-generation cephalosporin, on the human microbiota were investigated and their propensity to induce simulated CDI. Methods: Three in vitro chemostat models, which simulate the physiochemical conditions of the human colon, were seeded with a human faecal slurry and instilled with either narrow-spectrumcephalosporins, cefalexin and cefradine, or a broad-spectrum cephalosporin, ceftriaxone, at concentrations reflective of colonic levels. Results: Instillation of cefalexin was associated with reduced recoveries of Bifidobacterium and Enterobacteriaceae; however, Clostridium spp. recoveries remained unaffected. Cefradine exposure was associatedwith decreased recoveries of Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides spp. and Enterobacteriaceae. These changes were not associated with induction of CDI, aswe observed a lack of C. difficile spore germination/proliferation, thus no toxin was detected. This is in contrast to amodel exposed to ceftriaxone, where CDIwas observed. Conclusions: These model data suggest that the minimal impact of first-generation cephalosporins, namely cefalexin and cefradine, on the intestinal microbiota results in a low propensity to induce CDI.

Automated summary

The study found that first-generation cephalosporins have minimal impact on the intestinal microbiota and low propensity to induce CDI.