Gemifloxacin for the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis and Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is a major health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality and affects more than 14 million individuals in the U.S.2 Patients are predisposed to frequent exacerbations, characterized by increased cough, increased sputum volume, purulence, and respiratory distress. On average, one to four exacerbations occur each year in these patients and account for approximately 12 million physician visits per year in the U.S.3,4 AECB is commonly associated with pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Atypical organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are rare pathogens in AECB. Antibiotic therapy has been shown to reduce the course of the exacerbation and is considered an appropriate standard of care.4 Although beta-lactam antibiotics are commonly prescribed agents for lower respiratory tract infections, including AECB, beta-lactamase–producing strains and macrolide-resistant strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis may represent a challenge. In addition, the rising incidence of S. pneumoniae, which is resistant to penicillin and macrolides, has resulted in increased concern about the efficacy of these agents in managing AECB.5–8 Therefore, new agents with improved antimicrobial activity and an acceptable safety profile are warranted.