Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Growing a Cystic Fibrosis-Relevant Polymicrobial Biofilm to Probe Community Phenotypes
Published on: April 19, 2024
Prevalence and outcome of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations caused by multidrug-resistant
1Intensive Care Unit, Calmette Hospital, University Hospital of Lille, Lille, France. s-nseir@chru-lille.fr
Purpose Of Review:
A bacterial cause is found in about half of all severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. The aim of this review is to discuss recent findings regarding prevalence, risk factors and outcome of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Recent Findings:
According to the results of recent studies, multidrug-resistant bacteria represented a large proportion of bacteria isolated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. Prior antibiotic treatment, prior endotracheal intubation, long-term inhaled or systemic corticosteroid use and severe impairment of lung function were identified as risk factors for severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations related to multidrug-resistant bacteria. Although the mortality rate was higher in patients with multidrug-resistant bacteria as compared with patients with other bacteria, multidrug resistance was not independently associated with mortality in these patients. Multidrug-resistant bacteria were, however, significantly associated with inappropriate initial antibiotic treatment. Higher rates of subsequent ventilator-associated pneumonia and mortality were found in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation who received inappropriate initial antibiotic treatment when compared with those who received appropriate treatment.
Summary:
Further studies should determine whether administration of broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment could improve the outcome of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
