The binding of amikacin to macromolecules from the sputum of patients suffering from respiratory diseases

Antibiotics bind to whole cystic fibrosis sputum, however, the composition of sputum varies from one patient to another, making the interpretation of binding studies difficult. This proble, has been examined by standardizing the macromolecule concentration of sputum from 13 patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis and adding amikacin to the sputum components. Also binding to fractions of sputum was studied before and after treatment with DNase or chondroitinase. These studies indicated that the degree of amikacin binding is dependent on the DNA concentration and the presence of acidic mucins.