Abstract

Among 11 345 clinical isolates from 31 European centres in the MYSTIC (Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection) Programme (1997–2000), the potential AmpC-producing pathogens were Enterobacter spp. (904 cases), Citrobacter spp. (144) and Serratia marcescens (288). Resistance to ceftazidime or cefotaxime (11–34%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (12%) was observed, indicating stably derepressed expression of AmpC cephalosporinases. Meropenem (MIC 90, 0.25 mg/l; >99% susceptible) and imipenem (MIC 90, 2 mg/l; 98% susceptible) were active, even against these stably derepressed AmpC-producers: Enterobacter spp. (305 strains), Citrobacter spp. (29) and S. marcescens (35). The overall rank order of spectrum (% susceptible) versus the stably derepressed subset of isolates was: meropenem=imipenem (98%)>cefepime (89%)>gentamicin (73%)>ciprofloxacin (62%)>tobramycin (60%) >piperacillin/tazobactam (21%). We suggest increased attention in Europe to: (1) the recognition of these resistant phenotypes, (2) infection control practices, and (3) limiting the overuse of certain selecting extended-spectrum β-lactam agents (e.g. ceftazidime).

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