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Intra-abdominal infections: considerations for the use of the carbapenems

Ioannis P Kioumis1, Joseph L Kuti, David P Nicolau

  • 1Center for Anti-infective Research and Development, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102, USA.

Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|January 30, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Severe intra-abdominal infections, often caused by mixed bacteria, require effective antibiotic therapy. Carbapenems are crucial for treating these complex infections, considering pathogen resistance patterns.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are common, severe conditions with high morbidity and mortality.
  • IAIs are typically polymicrobial, involving both aerobic and anaerobic intestinal flora.
  • Despite advances, adjunctive antibiotic therapy in IAIs can be further optimized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the classification and microbiology of intra-abdominal infections.
  • To discuss emerging resistance patterns in pathogens causing IAIs.
  • To focus on the role of carbapenems in managing IAIs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on intra-abdominal infections.
  • Analysis of carbapenem antibiotics' efficacy and role.
  • Examination of pathogen microbiology and resistance trends.

Main Results:

  • Intra-abdominal infections are polymicrobial and pose significant clinical challenges.
  • Carbapenem antibiotics are vital for treating severe IAIs due to pathogen profiles.
  • Emerging resistance necessitates careful consideration of antibiotic selection.

Conclusions:

  • Carbapenems are essential in the management of severe intra-abdominal infections.
  • Understanding microbiology and resistance is key to effective treatment.
  • Optimizing adjunctive antibiotic strategies, including carbapenems, is ongoing.

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