Microbiological surveillance of gram-negative bactaeremia in the intensive care unit: a teaching hospital experience

Abstract

Background: The choice of empirical regimens for the treatment of Gram-negative bactaeremia requires a detailed knowledge of local susceptibility patterns. The emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens and organisms producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases limits the choice of suitable antimicrobial agents. We conducted surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria causing nosocomial bacteraemia in an adult intensive care unit in a London teaching hospital over an 18-month period.