Antibiotic susceptibility of isolates from paediatric intensive care units in Zagreb.

Abstract

AIM:

Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection (MYSTIC) Program is a longitudinal global surveillance study to monitor in vitro data on microbial susceptibility in centers that prescribe meropenem. Results of the six years period (2002-2007) for the antimicrobial efficacy of meropenem compared to other broad-spectrum agents against Gram-negative and Gram-positive isolates collected at pediatric intensive care units of the University Hospital Center Zagreb in Croatia were reported.

METHODS:

A total of 110 Gram-negative and 43 Gram-positive pathogens from pediatric specimens were tested. The minimum-inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution method according to CLSI.

RESULTS:

There was no resistance to either imipenem or meropenem observed for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. High resistance rates of K. pneumoniae to ceftazidime and gentamicin (50%) are a raising concern. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant Gram-negative species with two (12%) of the strains resistant to meropenem, three (18%) to imipenem, 10 (47%) to gentamicin and six (35%) to piperacillin/tazobactam and ciprofloxacin. According to our results meropenem remains an appropriate antibiotic for the treatment of severe infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria in pediatric population.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate that meropenem has excellent potency and spectrum of activity despite being prescribed for a long time for the treatment of seriously ill patients, and still appears to be a reliable option for the initial empirical therapy of serious nosocomial infections in children. However, later studies have shown the emergence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria after 2008.

• Authors: Branka Bedenić, Esmina Prahin, Mirna Vranić-Ladavac, Vlasta Atalić, Mario Sviben, Sonja Frančula-Zaninović, Vanda Plečko, Smilja Kalenić
• Journal: Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Med Glas (Zenica)) Vol. 11 Issue 1 Pg. 72-9 (Feb 2014) ISSN: 1840-2445 [Electronic] Bosnia and Herzegovina
• PMID: 24496344 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (pharmacology)
• Child
• Croatia
• Gram-Negative Bacteria (drug effects, isolation & purification)
• Gram-Positive Bacteria (drug effects, isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
• Microbial Sensitivity Tests