2024/09/03 by Anthony Nsojo, Christopher H. Mbotwa, Linus P. Rweyemamu +6 · 1 voice
Immunology and Microbiology · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Medicine · #Antibiotic Use and Resistance #Pharmaceutical Economics and Policy #Pharmaceutical Quality and Counterfeiting
paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlae162
openalex publication_date 2024/09/03 · openalex created_date 2024/10/15 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Abstract Background In Tanzania, ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. However, there is quite a significant variation in cost for numerous ceftriaxone brands, leading to the perception that pricier options are more effective. Yet, limited empirical data support this perception. Methods Five ceftriaxone brands with a wide price range were tested in vitro against a ceftriaxone-sensitive Escherichia coli clinical isolate using microdilution and spectrophotometry. Brands were evaluated across a spectrum of concentrations. Bacterial growth inhibition was measured using optical density. Analysis of variance was used to compare the bacterial optical densities among the brands. Results All brands were comparable at all tested concentrations, with peak inhibition above 1.95 mg/L. Conclusions Despite significant price disparities, low-cost and high-cost ceftriaxone brands demonstrated similar in vitro performance against E. coli. This challenges the notion that higher-priced options offer better performance. Further, in vivo studies are recommended to validate these findings.