Antibiotics for MDR Pathogens

Abstract The recent rise in antimicrobial resistance among health‐care associated pathogens is a growing public health concern. According to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System, rates of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in intensive care units have nearly doubled over the last decade. Of equal importance, gram‐negative agents such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and extended‐spectrum beta lactamase–producing Enterobacteriaceae demonstrate increasing resistance to third‐generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and, in some cases, carbapenems. As a consequence, hospitalists may find themselves utilizing new antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections. This case‐based review will highlight 8 antibiotics that have emerging clinical indications in treating these multidrug‐resistant (MDR) pathogens. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:E8–E15. ？ 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine