(99m) Tc-tazobactam, a novel infection imaging agent: Radiosynthesis, quality control, biodistribution, and infection imaging studies.

The radiolabeled drug (99m) Tc-tazobactam ((99m) Tc-TZB) was developed and assessed as an infection imaging agent in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica infection-induced animal models by comparing with inflammation induced animal models. Radiosynthesis of (99m) Tc-TZB was assessed while changing ligand concentration, reducing agent concentration, pH, and reaction time while keeping radioactivity constant (~370 MBq). Percent labeling of the resulting complex was measured using paper chromatography and instant thin layer chromatography. The analysis of the (99m) Tc-TZB complex indicated >95% labeling yield and electrophoresis revealed complex is neutral in nature. The biodistribution study also showed predominantly renal excretion; however liver, stomach, and intestine also showed slight tracer agent uptake. The agent significantly accumulated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica infection induced tissues 3.58 ± 0.26% and 2.43 ± 0.42% respectively at 1 hour postinjection. The inflamed tissue failed to uptake noticeable activity at 1 hour time point. The scintigraphic study results were found in accordance with biodistribution pattern. On the basis of our preliminary results, the newly developed (99m) Tc-TZB can be used to diagnose bacterial infection and to discriminate between infected and inflamed tissues.