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Antimicrobial resistance in the intensive care unit: mechanisms, epidemiology, and management of specific resistant

Henry S Fraimow1, Constantine Tsigrelis

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Cooper University Hospital, 401 Haddon Avenue, Room 274, Camden, NJ 08103, USA. fraimow-henry@cooperhealth.edu

Critical Care Clinics
|December 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Drug-resistant infections present significant healthcare challenges, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). This review covers antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, transmission, and management of resistant pathogens in the ICU.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Drug-resistant and multidrug-resistant microbial pathogens cause severe healthcare challenges.
  • These challenges are significantly amplified in intensive care units (ICUs) due to high selection pressures and transmission risks.
  • Antimicrobial resistance in ICUs necessitates careful management of empiric antimicrobial regimens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review fundamental concepts of antibacterial agent resistance.
  • To discuss mechanisms and transmission modes of antimicrobial resistance.
  • To address management strategies for prevalent drug-resistant pathogens in the ICU.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of basic concepts in antimicrobial resistance.
  • Analysis of resistance mechanisms and transmission pathways.
  • Discussion of clinical management issues for ICU pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to patient care, particularly in ICUs.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms and transmission is crucial for effective control.
  • Specific management strategies are needed for key drug-resistant pathogens in critical care settings.

Conclusions:

  • Effective containment and treatment of drug-resistant infections require a comprehensive understanding of resistance.
  • ICUs are critical environments for managing antimicrobial resistance due to heightened risks.
  • Evidence-based management of resistant pathogens is essential for improving patient outcomes in critical care.

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