Defining the need for new antimicrobials: clinical and economic implications of resistance in the hospitalised patient

Author： DeRyke C Andrew Maglio Dana Nicolau David P

ISSN： 1465-6566

Source： Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, Vol.6, Iss.6, 2005-06, pp. : 873-889

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Abstract

Resistance among pathogens causing the most common infections encountered in hospitalised patients is increasing. Due to this resistance, the clinical efficacy of current antimicrobial agents is decreasing against many pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant Staphylo-coccus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, extended-spectrum β-lactamases, and AmpC β-lactamase-producing organisms. Studies assessing the impact of these resistance mechanisms on clinical outcomes have been performed; however, studies determining the economic impact of resistance have been limited. Strategies to retain the clinical efficacy of currently available agents include the initiation of antimicrobials with efficacy against the suspected pathogen(s) based on data obtained from local antibiograms, the use of combination therapy, and pharmacodynamic optimisation. Once a broad-spectrum regimen has been initiated, de-escalation to narrow, targeted antimicrobial therapy based on susceptibility data is warranted. Despite these efforts, new antimicrobials with novel mechanisms of action are eagerly anticipated to extend the current armamentarium against the growing population of multi-drug-resistant pathogens.