Faculty Collaboration Database

The importance of beta-lactamase resistance in surgical infections. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2001;2 Suppl 1:S13-22

Date

02/22/2003

Pubmed ID

12594861

DOI

10.1089/10962960152742187

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0035682952 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   4 Citations

Abstract

Substantial costs are associated with the treatment of nosocomial infections, 2 million cases of which occur annually in the United States. Hospital-acquired, gram-negative infection has become an increasing problem, particularly in the intensive care unit where up to 40% of the most frequently isolated strains of Enterobacteriaceae are resistant to standard beta-lactam antibiotics. Among several mechanisms of acquisition of resistance, beta-lactamase production accounts for a high percentage of treatment failures and relapses. By the end of the 1980s, some 10-30% of all nosocomial infections were caused by type-1 beta-lactamase-producing gram-negative isolates, and Enterobacter species had emerged as a major resistant pathogen. The beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, such as ampicillin/sulbactam, represent an innovative approach to the problem of beta-lactamase-mediated resistance. Clinical use of these agents has been associated with low rates of resistance and new data suggest they may have a specific role in controlling the emergence and spread of nosocomial infections.

Author List

Edmiston CE Jr, Hennen C, Seabrook GR

Author

Gary Seabrook MD Emeritus Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Cross Infection
Female
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Humans
Male
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Postoperative Complications
Risk Assessment
Sensitivity and Specificity
Surgical Procedures, Operative
Surgical Wound Infection
Treatment Outcome
United States
beta-Lactam Resistance
beta-Lactamases