Résumé : Growth curve studies (MS-2 Abbott) of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures submitted to different β-lactams concentrations showed that the maximal values of residual growth (MVRG) observed in the first hours of contact between antibiotic and bacteria was either concentration dependent (carbenicillin, ticarcillin, moxalactam, ceftazidine, cefsulodin against Escherichia coli) or concentration independent (azlocillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin against E. coli and all β-lactams against P. aeruginosa); a relationship was found between MVRG and lag of regrowth in the post-antibiotic period; the MVRG independent of antibiotic concentration was associated with filament formation. This observation may contribute to the best choice of the mode of administration of an antibiotic in therapeutic field (peak level or plateau).