Saudi Med J
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To determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative aerobic bacteria isolated from infected patients on the intensive care unit (ICU) and the outcome of infected patients. ⋯ In general, the isolates were relatively antimicrobial susceptible. Imipenem, ciprofloxacin and piperacillin-tazobactam were found good empiric choices for treatment of most GNB infection in the ICU. The study showed that resistance among ICU pathogens depended on the site of infection and that increased drug consumption of any antimicrobial agent may lead to increase resistance to those drugs. The need for policies governing the prudent use of antimicrobial agents cannot be overemphasized. Many endeavors aimed at introducing an antibiotic policy have encountered repeated failure and attempts at rational prescribing through educational programs have met with limited success. Hope is seen however, in proper implementation of infection control procedures aimed specifically to curtail lateral transmission of resistant organisms.