The comparative synergistic activity of amikacin, gentamicin, netilmicin and azlocillin, mezlocillin, carbenicillin and ticarcillin against Serratia marcescens.

The synergistic activities of netilmicin, gentamicin and amikacin combined with carbenicillin, ticarcillin, azlocillin and mezlocillin were investigated against 32 Serratia marcescens isolates. Synergy could be demonstrated by killing curve technique, isobologram plots as susceptibility data with any of the aminoglycosides and penicillins combinations. No antagonism was shown with any of the combinations. The majority of the isolates were resistant to the aminoglycosides and penicillins. Combination of either ureido-penicillin or carbenicillin with gentamicin or netilmicin did not reduce the MIC values to levels achievable in serum but did reduce the MIC levels of both agents to those achievable in urine. The combination of ureido-penicillins or carbenicillin and ticarcillin with amikacin reduced the inhibitory levels of all isolates to levels achievable in both serum and urine.