Future microbiology
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Future microbiology · Jan 2014
ReviewAntibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: focus on care in patients receiving assisted ventilation.
This article discusses ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by P. aeruginosa is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit, and nowadays it represents a major concern due to the increasing resistance rate of the pathogen to different classes of antibiotics. ⋯ Route of administration is also discussed, with an emphasis on the use of nebulized antibiotics. Optimal duration of treatment is an additional point of discussion, and explanations are provided for the suggested longer course compared with that of other etiologies.
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Future microbiology · Jan 2014
ReviewNonculture techniques for the detection of bacteremia and fungemia.
Bacteremia and fungemia account for a substantial proportion of all cases of severe sepsis. Antibiotic resistance is a contributing factor in many hospital-acquired infection deaths. ⋯ These methods vary in the breadth of organisms that they detect, and equally important, their ease of use. This article examines the principles, performance and practicality of the various rapid, nonculture techniques for the detection of bacteremia and fungemia.
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Future microbiology · Jan 2014
ReviewCurrent and future treatment options for infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.
The spread of multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant and pan-drug-resistant pathogens is causing an unprecedented public health crisis. The limited current therapeutic options led to the revival of two 'old' antibiotics - colistin and fosfomycin - for which a better understanding of their pharmacokinetics in the critically ill patient and in specific body compartments is required. ⋯ Furthermore, all three antibiotics should be used as part of combination regimens in order to prevent resistance and optimize outcomes. The development of new antibacterials in the near future, namely combinations of avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam and plazomicin, seems promising; however, they will only partially address current mechanisms of resistance.