Antibiotic Use and Acquisition of Resistant Flora in Intensive Care Units

Reductions in ß-lactam use did not alter the rate of acquisition of ß-lactam–resistant bacteria. Greater fluoroquinolone use, however, was associated with increased fluoroquinolone resistance.

Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) can become colonized with antibiotic-resistant bacteria through cross-transmission, antibiotic-induced selection of preexisting low-level resistant bacteria, or de novo development of resistance during treatment. Which of these pathways is most prevalent for intestinal colonization with cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) or fluoroquinolone-resistant CRE (FCRE), and how do changes in antibiotic pressure affect such colonization? A recent crossover trial from the Netherlands provides some answers.

Two ICUs at a single hospital were studied for an 8-month baseline period and then randomized to two 3-month intervention periods. During one period, the first-choice antibiotic for empirical ther…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection