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The First National Workshop on Antibiotic Resistance in Cambodia was organised by the Cambodian Ministry of Health with support from several national and international partner institutions. It brought together policy-makers, clinicians, pharmacists, laboratory technicians and other professionals dealing with the problems of bacterial infection and antibiotic resistance across the country. Antibiotic resistance data from starting up and experienced laboratories were presented, showing high rates of resistance in key pathogens to most antibiotics currently available in Cambodia, e.g. 70–90% multidrug resistance and 70–80% decreased ciprofloxacin susceptibility in Salmonella entericaserovar Typhi, 20–40% meticillin resistance rates in Staphylococcus aureusand 30–50% extended-spectrum β-lactamase production in Escherichia coli. A five-point plan was discussed, which included initiatives from government and non-governmental partners, focusing on rational prescribing, clinical practice guidelines, improved laboratory services, infection prevention and enhanced education at all levels. Implementation, however challenging, is a priority given the high levels of resistance seen in key pathogens and the overall health needs in the country.

Abstract: Objective: Pentosan polysulphate sodium (PPS), a heparin-like drug, is supposed to be orally applicable. The objective of the present study was to assess the oral bioavailability of PPS. However, since specific assays for PPS do not exist, this was done by using primary and secondary effect parameters. Methods: The study was carried out using a three-way randomized crossover design with 18 healthy young male volunteers. The subjects received three treatments: PPS i.v. (50 mg), PPS orally (1500 mg) and placebo (orally). Blood sampling was done for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), anti-Xa activity, hepatic triglyceride lipase, lipoprotein lipase, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, fibrin plate lysis, total triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Results: Intravenously administered PPS significantly increased APTT, anti-Xa activity, hepatic triglyceride lipase and lipoprotein lipase compared with placebo in a magnitude comparable to other i.v. heparin-like compounds. Orally administered PPS did not significantly influence any of the parameters when compared with placebo. Point estimates for the oral bioavailability of PPS were in the range of 0% with small confidence intervals (CIs). Conclusion: The oral bioavailability of PPS is negligible in young healthy males.