The Rise, Fall, and Rethink of (Fluoro)quinolones: A Quick Rundown

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Fluoroquinolones are a key class of antibiotics with broad-spectrum activity and favorable pharmacokinetics.
• The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, including MRSA and Klebsiella pneumoniae, poses a significant threat to their clinical utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated perspective on fluoroquinolones, covering their spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics, and resistance mechanisms.
• To discuss the role of antimicrobial stewardship in preserving the effectiveness of fluoroquinolones against resistant bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Critical literature review of existing research on fluoroquinolones.
• Analysis of data on fluoroquinolone generations, activity, pharmacokinetics, and resistance patterns.

Main Results:

• Four generations of fluoroquinolones have been developed, exhibiting broad-spectrum efficacy.
• Key resistant pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus spp., Campylobacter spp., and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Conclusions:

• Fluoroquinolones remain important antibacterial agents, but their utility is challenged by increasing resistance.
• Antimicrobial stewardship is essential to maintain the effectiveness of fluoroquinolones and combat the growing threat of resistance.