Ian Morrissey, Bsc, Ph D
Division of Biosciences, University of Hartfordshire, Hatfield, UK

Levofloxacin is a highly bactericidal fluoroquinolone, which has at least twice the potency of ofloxacin and often improved activity compared to other fluoroquinolones. This enhanced activity manifests itself with regard to minimum inhibitory concentration, optimum bactericidal concentration and activity against purified DNA gyrase. In addition, in vivo animal models confirm the potent activity of levofloxacin against localised infections. Levofloxacin should prove to be an excellent alternative quinolone and may be of use against infections not covered by established quinolones.