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Published on: July 3, 2026
[Risk factors for amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant Escherichia coli in ICU patients]
I Mohammedi1, A Denis, S Duperret
1Service de réanimation chirurgicale, hôpital Edouard-Herriot, université Claude-Bernard, Lyon, France. ismael.mohammedi@chu-lyon.fr
Objective:
To determine risk factors of infections with amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant Escherichia coli in ICU patients.
Study Design:
Prospective, consecutive sample survey study.
Patients:
A consecutive series of 133 patients from whom culture results were positive for E. coli during their ICU stay.
Methods:
Risk factors analysed included demographics, comorbid conditions, and antimicrobial drug exposure. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.
Results:
Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified only one significant independent factor associated with the emergence of amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant E. coli: prior use of amoxicillin (odds ratio: 5.45).
Conclusion:
Clinicians should avoid administering amoxicillin-clavulanate as empiric therapy for possible E. coli infection in patients that have recently been treated with amoxicillin.
Insights
Prior amoxicillin use significantly increases the risk of amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant Escherichia coli infections in ICU patients. Clinicians should reconsider empiric amoxicillin-clavulanate therapy in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Intensive Care Medicine
Context:
- Intensive care units (ICUs) face challenges with multidrug-resistant bacteria.
- Escherichia coli is a common cause of ICU infections.
- Antibiotic resistance, particularly to amoxicillin-clavulanate, complicates treatment.
Purpose:
- To identify risk factors for amoxicillin-clavulanate-resistant E. coli infections in ICU patients.
- To analyze demographic, comorbidity, and antimicrobial exposure data.
- To determine independent predictors of resistance.
Summary:
- A prospective study analyzed 133 ICU patients with E. coli-positive cultures.
- Multivariate analysis revealed prior amoxicillin use as the sole significant independent risk factor (OR: 5.45).
- This highlights the impact of recent antibiotic exposure on resistance patterns.
Impact:
- Informs clinical practice regarding empiric antibiotic selection in ICUs.
- Suggests avoiding amoxicillin-clavulanate for suspected E. coli infections in patients with recent amoxicillin exposure.
- Contributes to antimicrobial stewardship efforts to combat resistance.
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