Antimicrobial Stewardship

A novel approach using this emerging technology looks to interfere with antibiotic resistance expression and reduce this global health issue.

A study finds that despite the development of some new agents for highly-resistant pathogens, prescribers are reluctant to utilize these therapies.

PEN-FAST is a validated risk stratification tool that promotes efficient, safe, and effective de-labeling of penicillin allergies.

Pivmecillinam (Pivya) was given the nod from the federal agency, and is indicated for female adults with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible isolates of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

With this approval, aztreonam-avibactam becomes the first β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor antibiotic combination approved in the European Union for treating multidrug-resistant infections, including metallo-β-lactamase-producing bacteria.

In these patient encounters, a deep cough as a symptom raised concerns around pneumonia and may have prompted prescription of antimicrobials, but did not show a resolution of symptoms sooner.

A large trial supports de-escalation from empiric, broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment for Enterobacterales bacteremia to a non-antipseudomonal agent.

As a potential alternative to antibiotic treatments, this investigational immunization offered protection for several years.

Here is a case study involving a patient with the virus and the clinical approach in thinking about appropriate treatment while keeping stewardship in mind.

Clinicians review a patient case including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

There is value in leveraging the contributions of nurses, laboratorians, and informaticists in antimicrobial stewardship.

A cautious approach for now is warranted as well as a need for a randomized clinical trial.

Investigators find that bacteremia rarely develops from asymptomatic bacteriuria, and that empiric antibiotic treatment should be reserved for those at risk.

Here is a review of therapies for treating this bacterium.

Low-frequency resistant cells in bacterial isolates are challenging to detect and may contribute to unexplained treatment failure.

In the latest issue, Editor-in-Chief Jason Gallagher, PharmD, FCCP, FIDP, FIDSA, BCPS, discusses the continuous antibiotic trade-off of targeted vs broad spectrum therapies and cheap vs expensive options as they relate to UTI treatment.

The OASIS platform will help outpatient facilities use prescribing data to improve patient care.

A team developed and validated a new analytic method to quantify omadacycline and its epimerization in stool to facilitate microbiome research.

Management of this condition has been associated with antibiotic misuse. In the latest Bench to Bedside column, clinicians offer insights on therapy indications and what the latest literature reports on the condition.

Cefepime-enmetazobactam (Exblifep, Orchid Pharma) was given the federal nod for the indication of treating complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) in adults.

The federal agency did not request further trials for the investigational therapy, cefepime-taniborbactam, but wanted more information about its chemistry, manufacturing, and controls.

New review article outlines the evidence and future work that needs to be done with regards to doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP).

A clinician reviews the literature and offers some insights on the role of this antibiotic in bone, joint, and hardware infections.

A recently published study demonstrated the superior efficacy of cefepime–taniborbactam over meropenem for managing complicated urinary tract infections, suggesting a promising treatment option amid rising antibiotic resistance challenges.

ePOCT+, a digital clinician decision support tool, reduced outpatient antibiotic prescribing without adverse health outcomes, potentially mitigating development of antimicrobial resistance.

New vancomycin dosing regimens are proposed to improve outcome and minimize toxicity in overweight and obese patients with renal insufficiency.

Emerging treatment options for patients with persistently positive blood cultures with Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).

How the development of antimicrobial stewardship programs can be an effective strategy for beginning to reduce this critical timing for patients in ICUs.

Investigators studying over 4500 patients with gram-negative bacteremia see opportunities for earlier transition from IV to oral antibiotics.

This year saw the approval of new therapies as well as the continued evolution of time-to-treat infections and updated guidelines.