Antimicrobial use and Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility profile in a cystic fibrosis centre

Graziana Manno1, Mario Cruciani, Luca Romano

  • 1Infectious Diseases Research and Diagnosis Laboratory, Department of Paediatrics, University of Genoa and Clinical Pathology Laboratories, G. Gaslini Research Institute, Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy. graziana@unige.it

Insights

Antibiotic susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of Cystic Fibrosis lung infections, showed declining trends for some drugs. Ceftazidime and piperacillin remained stable, indicating key treatment options.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cystic Fibrosis Research

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a significant pathogen in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, contributing to chronic lung infections.
  • Understanding antibiotic susceptibility patterns and utilization is crucial for effective CF patient management.
  • Longitudinal data on antibiotic resistance trends in CF populations are essential for guiding treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of mucoid and non-mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in CF patients.
  • To analyze antibiotic utilization patterns within a Cystic Fibrosis Centre.
  • To evaluate trends in P. aeruginosa susceptibility to various antibiotics over a defined period.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 1315 P. aeruginosa isolates from 224 CF patients between 1993 and 1997.
  • Determination of antibiotic susceptibility using standard microbiological methods.
  • Assessment of antibiotic utilization based on defined daily doses per 1000 patients per day.

Main Results:

  • Ceftazidime (86.0%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (81.7%) were the most active agents against P. aeruginosa.
  • Nebulized colistin and ciprofloxacin were the most frequently utilized antibiotics.
  • A significant decline in susceptibility was observed for aminoglycosides, imipenem, and ciprofloxacin, while susceptibility to piperacillin and ceftazidime remained stable.

Conclusions:

  • Ceftazidime and piperacillin demonstrate sustained efficacy against P. aeruginosa in CF patients.
  • The observed decline in susceptibility to certain antibiotics necessitates careful monitoring and potential adjustments in treatment protocols.
  • Antibiotic stewardship is critical in CF centers to preserve the effectiveness of available therapeutic options.

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