BOSTON -- A new analysis of data from Focus Technologies Surveillance Network (TSN®) Database USA indicates that resistance rates for beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones varied substantially among different Enterobacteriaceae species and with species by site of infection. Extended-spectrum beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones are a cornerstone of therapy for serious infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae, which include infections of the lower respiratory tract and urinary tract. Results of this analysis were presented at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
Because Enterobacteriaceae are among the most common and problematic infections encountered in hospitalized patients, it is important to continue to monitor resistance rates involving the key drugs used to treat the gram-negative bacilli so commonly associated with these infections, said Daniel F. Sahm, PhD, chief scientific officer of Focus Technologies. Knowing the current state of antimicrobial resistance provides a critical resource for understanding trends that indicate each drugs antimicrobial effectiveness in terms of which drugs are, and are not, maintaining activity. Such information also is useful for evaluating the types of drugs that likely will be needed in the future as resistance trends continue to evolve.
Study Methodology and Results
Antimicrobial susceptibility among bacterial pathogens encountered in hospitals is constantly in a state of change. In order to evaluate the most current status of the antibiotics most commonly used to treat hospital-based infections, Focus Technologies analyzed data collected in 2003 from The Surveillance Network (TSN) Database USA, an electronic surveillance system that collects routine susceptibility test results from approximately 300 hospital laboratories in the United States. NCCLS (2003) breakpoints were used to interpret susceptibility or resistance.
Susceptibility to ceftriaxone, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactam -- among the most commonly used antibiotics for serious infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae strains -- was examined for various Enterobacteriaceae species (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, S. marcescens; E. aerogenes and C. freundii) isolated from lower respiratory tract and urinary tract specimen sources from individuals older than age 64 who were hospital inpatients.
Study results showed that antibiotic resistance rates varied widely among different Enterobactreiaceae species and with species by site of infection.
These data demonstrate the changing susceptibility profiles of organisms isolated from Enterobacteriaceae infections and the need to consider the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of organisms in hospitalized patients when selecting a treatment, added Sahm. Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and other advanced-generation cephalosporins, along with fluoroquinolones, serve as the cornerstone of therapy for hospital-based infections. Therefore, constant surveillance of their antimicrobial activity is necessary to understand trends that will help evaluate their continued utility or ultimate demise as therapeutic choices.
This research was funded by Roche Laboratories, Inc.
Source: Focus Technologies, Inc.
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.