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Antimicrobial resistance in the chronically critically ill patient
1Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, New England Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Clinics in Chest Medicine
|April 24, 2001
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance in chronically critically ill patients is a growing global threat. This review covers resistance epidemiology, contributing factors, and management strategies for these challenging infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Chronically critically ill patients are particularly vulnerable to infections caused by resistant organisms.
- Conventional antimicrobial therapies are increasingly ineffective against these pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of infections caused by resistant organisms in chronically critically ill patients.
- To explore the factors and mechanisms driving the development of antimicrobial resistance.
- To discuss specific resistant organisms and outline treatment and control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of epidemiological data.
- Analysis of factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance development.
- Review of current and emerging treatment and control strategies.
Main Results:
- Infections caused by resistant organisms are prevalent in chronically critically ill populations.
- Multiple factors, including prolonged antibiotic exposure and healthcare settings, contribute to resistance.
- Specific multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are frequently implicated.
Conclusions:
- Effective management requires understanding resistance epidemiology and mechanisms.
- Multifaceted strategies are needed for treatment and control of resistant infections.
- Continued research and surveillance are crucial to combatting antimicrobial resistance in critical care.