The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Oct 1994
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialMicrobiological surveillance during selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD)
The use of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) as prophylaxis against nosocomial respiratory tract infection remains controversial, largely because of concerns that, in the long term, it may promote the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. This report describes the results of surveillance cultures and susceptibility testing undertaken during the course of a 2-year, double-blind study of the efficacy of SDD which was conducted in a respiratory intensive care unit (ICU). Surveillance specimens from the alimentary tract and trachea were obtained from each patient on admission and then twice weekly until 48 h after discharge from the unit. ⋯ The acquisition of strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and cefotaxime- and/or tobramycin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae was significantly greater in the placebo group than in the SDD group, although tobramycin-resistant strains of Proteus, Morganella and Providencia spp. were isolated from three of 114 patients receiving SDD. The use of SDD did not lead to an overall increase in antibiotic resistance amongst the AGNB usually associated with ICU-acquired infection. However, colonization with strains which were either resistant to one or more of the antibiotic components of the regimen or which were not inhibited by the regimen was observed and may subsequently lead to infection.