Antimicrobial Stewardship

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.

The current treatment pathway might need to evolve to adjust to rapid diagnostics and narrowing down the antibiotics to aid in optimal outcomes for sicker patients with gram-negative infections.

Three posters presented at ASHP Midyear 2023 delved deeper into the topic of antimicrobial stewardship programs and their impact on antibiotic resistance.

This bipartisan initiative highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), incorporating both antibiotic drug development and increased funding for stewardship programs.

Amikacin inhaled once daily for 3 days reduced risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia in placebo-controlled trial in critically ill.

A recent novel study found reduced mortality rates in combining these therapies in patients being treated for this specific bacteremia.

A study showed utilizing a PCR-based test can narrow therapy quicker and help in resolving these infections sooner.

A small study showed high efficacy for the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The proposed clinical benefits of de-escalation has contributed to its lukewarm adoption in some settings. This article looks at the challenges in measuring the impact of de-escalation, and the ongoing search for more meaningful metrics to evaluate the success of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs.

The investigational agent, afabicin, was developed by private company, Debiopharm, and a clinician offers some insights on the therapy in these 2 therapeutic areas.

Empirical antibiotic therapy in diabetic foot ulcer infections increases hospitalization and prolonged symptoms in patients being treated for lower limb cellulitis are common. Two recent papers examine the need for effective communication, the importance of objective findings in cellulitis management, and the benefits of culture-based antibiotic therapy in diabetic foot ulcer cases.

Christian Sandrock, MD, MPH, FCCP, shares key takeaways on the antimicrobial resistant gram-negative infection space from ID week 2023.

An infectious disease expert reviews new treatment recommendations for patients suspected of having a polymicrobial infection.

Dr George Sakoulas provides insight on how single-dose agents fit into antimicrobial stewardship for soft tissue infections.

Dr Christian Sandrock evaluates the impact of 2023 updated IDSA guidelines on treatment decisions for patients with antimicrobial resistant gram-negative infections and for patients with multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Christian Sandrock, MD, MPH, FCCP, highlights key takeaways from 2023 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) updated guidelines for antimicrobial resistant gram-negative infections and how these updates have been implemented at his institution.

This form of stewardship can reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, reduce costs, and optimize patient outcomes.

A new study highlights the growing threat of drug-resistant pathogens, particularly in healthcare settings, and underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and intervention strategies to combat these emerging and resistant infectious diseases.

This year's Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing provided updated breakpoints on therapies.

In the October Editor-in-Chief letter, Jason Gallagher PharmD, FCCP, FIDP, FIDSA, BCPS, writes about this novel antibiotic indicated for a targeted, resistant pathogen and its long-term viability.

A clinician discusses the ongoing challenges presented with critically ill patients and the timing and scope of antibiotic prescribing practices.

Resistance against this pathogen with β-lactamase medications can vary according to geographic region.

Steffanie Strathdee, PhD, had to navigate care for her husband who became gravely ill with a multidrug resistant bacterial infection while they were on vacation overseas. He recovered thanks to the use of phage therapy. From that experience, she has dedicated her life to getting phage therapy to the masses.

The Biden Administration addresses antimicrobial resistance with new project, company voluntarily recalls its antifungal, and a fatal case of the plague is reported in the US.

The subject is one where it does not garner the attention of other serious health topics, but key stakeholders say it should.

Sam Aitken, PharmD, president-elect of the Society of Infectious Disease Pharmacists (SIDP), discusses how this strategy is one significant part of a complex puzzle to decrease antimicrobial resistance.

Hurricane season is accompanied by an uptick in infectious diseases associated with environmental and water exposures.

Through policy and fostering innovation, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is working towards reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).