Antibiotic considerations in the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens: a case-based review

J Hosp Med. 2009 Jul;4(6):E8-15. doi: 10.1002/jhm.505.

Abstract

The recent rise in antimicrobial resistance among health-care associated pathogens is a growing public health concern. According to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System, rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in intensive care units have nearly doubled over the last decade. Of equal importance, gram-negative agents such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and extended-spectrum beta lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae demonstrate increasing resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and, in some cases, carbapenems. As a consequence, hospitalists may find themselves utilizing new antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. This case-based review will highlight 8 antibiotics that have emerging clinical indications in treating these multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter Infections / drug therapy
  • Acinetobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / drug effects*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / physiology*
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / drug therapy
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy
  • Pseudomonas Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents