Management of severe infections by multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in critically ill patients

José Garnacho-Montero1, María Adriaensens-Pérez1, Teresa Aldabó-Pallás1

  • 1Unidad Clínica de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain.

Medicina Intensiva
|April 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Multi-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) infections pose a global health challenge. This review updates the diagnosis and treatment of MDR-GNB infections in critically ill patients, emphasizing new antibiotics and infection control.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Multi-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB) infections represent a significant global public health concern.
  • Mechanisms of resistance include altered permeability, efflux pumps, and inactivating enzymes like β-lactamases and carbapenemases.
  • Traditional therapies are often ineffective against MDR-GNB due to widespread resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and update the diagnosis and treatment strategies for MDR-GNB infections in critically ill patients.
  • To guide the appropriate use of new broad-spectrum antibiotics for both empirical and targeted therapy.
  • To highlight the importance of infection control measures in managing MDR-GNB.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent advancements in MDR-GNB diagnosis and treatment.
  • Analysis of the role of new broad-spectrum antibiotics since 2015.
  • Emphasis on practical clinical application for critically ill patients.

Main Results:

  • New broad-spectrum antibiotics have become available since 2015, offering improved treatment options.
  • Effective management requires a combination of appropriate antibiotic selection and robust infection control.
  • Updated diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are crucial for combating MDR-GNB.

Conclusions:

  • The emergence of new antibiotics has transformed the treatment landscape for MDR-GNB infections.
  • A comprehensive approach integrating diagnostics, novel therapeutics, and infection control is essential.
  • This review provides a practical framework for clinicians managing critically ill patients with MDR-GNB infections.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
832
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
1.2K
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and...
206
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within...
84
Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management01:17

Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management

In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs...
676
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
4.1K