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The epidemiological profile of infections with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species

David L Paterson1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. patersond@dom.pitt.edu

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|August 9, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Panresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter strains are prevalent worldwide, often causing ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units. Enhanced surveillance is crucial due to limited antibiotic treatment options for these highly resistant bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species, is a growing global concern.
  • These panresistant strains, resistant to nearly all antibiotics, are frequently isolated from intensive care unit (ICU) patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
  • Panresistance is defined by resistance to all beta-lactam and quinolone antibiotics recommended for empirical VAP treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the increasing prevalence and clinical significance of panresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species.
  • To emphasize the association of these strains with ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units.
  • To underscore the urgent need for enhanced surveillance strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of molecular epidemiological data on panresistant strain outbreaks.
  • Analysis of clinical recovery data from intensive care units.
  • Definition and characterization of panresistance in relation to empirical VAP therapy.

Main Results:

  • Panresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter isolates are now globally prevalent.
  • These strains are predominantly found in intensive care units, often associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia.
  • Molecular epidemiology indicates successful adaptation and dissemination of specific clones within hospital environments.
  • Antibiotic use is identified as a potential selection pressure for panresistant strains.

Conclusions:

  • Panresistant strains pose a significant threat due to the lack of effective antibiotic treatment options.
  • Enhanced, multi-level surveillance (unit-specific, institutional, national) is essential for controlling the spread of these organisms.
  • Urgent strategies are needed to combat infections caused by panresistant bacteria in healthcare settings.

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