THE EFFECTS OF LEVOFLOXACIN AND INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULINS ON SEPSIS DUE TO STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE IN SPLENECTOMIZED RATS

Abstract

This experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of levofloxacin and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on sepsis due to Streptococcus pneumonia in splenectomized rats. Splenectomy impairs the immune response to bacterial infections. Postsplenectomy sepsis is a serious complication that can result in fulminant bacteriemia and even death. Sixty infant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups containing 12 rats each. All rats were initially anaesthetized by intramuscularly injection of Ketamine (5 mg/kg). In the group 1, after the abdomen was opened, spleen was mobilized. In the other groups, splenectomy was performed. All of this animals (in the groups 2-5) were inoculated with Streptococcus pneumonia seven days after splenectomy. Fifteen hours after inoculation, blood (0.1 cc) was obtained for bacterial counts (cfu) and immediately drug therapy was given. The saline solution, levofloxacin, IVIG, levofloxacin plus IVIG were given in group 2-5 rats respectively. Twenty-four, 48 and 72 hours after initial therapy, blood samples were obtained from all rats for bacterial counts and biochemical examination (Ig G,A,M) and during 72^nd hours rats were sacrificed. After inoculation in the groups 2-5 rats positive cultures were obtained. During 48^th and 72^nd hours, positive cultures (41.7% and 25%) of rats in groups 3 were significantly lower than (100% and 100%) those of group 2 (p<0.05 and p=0.001, respectively). Positive culture ratio (41.7%) in the group 4 was significantly lower than (100%) that of group 2 (p<0.05). During 24^th, 48^th and 72^nd hours, positive cultures (41.7%, 16.7% and 0%) in the group 5 were significantly lower than those of group 2 (p<0.05, p<0.001 and p<0.001). During 24^th, 48^th and 72^nd hours, bacterial counts in the groups 3-5 were significantly lower than those of group 2 (p<0.001). The IgG levels of groups 4 and 5 were significantly higher than those of groups 2 and 3 (p<0.001). The present experimental study has demonstrated that levofloxacin and IVIG, both alone and combine, are useful on sepsis due to 5. pneumonia in splenectomized rats.