@article{3023009, title = "Effects of cefepime and meropenem on the gastrointestinal colonization of surgical patients by Candida albicans", author = "Samonis, G. and Thomakos, N. and Liakakos, T. and Macheras, A. and Mandrekas, D. and Kanavaki, S. and Bafaloukos, D. and Maraki, S.", journal = "Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy", year = "2001", volume = "47", number = "5", pages = "350-353", doi = "10.1159/000048542", keywords = "antibiotic agent; cefepime; meropenem, adult; aged; antibiotic therapy; article; bacterial colonization; Candida albicans; candidiasis; clinical article; colony forming unit; controlled study; drug effect; feces culture; female; human; infection risk; intestine infection; male; monotherapy; priority journal, Adult; Aged; Candida albicans; Candidiasis; Cephalosporins; Digestive System; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Population Dynamics; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Thienamycins", abstract = "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. Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel." }