Objective: To evaluate the effect of cefepime on hematological changes, immunological disorders and hepatic oxidative damage in rats experimentally infected with E.coli ATCC 25922.
Design: Randomized controlled experimental study.
Animals: Thirty-two adult male albino rats weighting150-200 g.
Procedures: Rats used for this study were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups: the control one, E.coli infected group (1×10⁸CFU/I/P/once), the cefepime treated group (45 mg/kg bw/I/M/day) for 5 days and the E.coli infected group that treated with cefepime 24h after bacterial inoculation as previously described. Hematological and immunological parameters, liver function biomarkers and hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant markers were determined.
Results: Our result revealed that E.coli infection induced a significant elevation in the erythrocytes count, hemoglobin concentration, PCV% and total leukocytic count (TLC) (P < 0.05). In the same respect, liver function biomarkers, serum glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels as well hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, IL-10, and lysozyme activity were significantly increased compared to the control rats (P < 0.05). In contrast, hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Cefepime treatment in E.coli + CFPM group reduced the elevated eythrogram, TLC and liver function biomarkers.  Cefepime also ameliorated the oxidative damage and inflammatory response induced by E.coli infection.
Conclusion and clinical relevance: Cefepime is safe when administered in a fixed-dose and possess antioxidant that contributes to improve efficacy against adverse effect induced by  E.coli ATCC 25922 infection.