Bloodstream infections in the Intensive Care Unit

Virulence. 2016 Apr 2;7(3):267-79. doi: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1134072. Epub 2016 Jan 13.

Abstract

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) represent a common complication among critically ill patients and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The prompt initiation of an effective antibiotic therapy is necessary in order to reduce mortality and to improve clinical outcomes. However, the choice of the empiric antibiotic regimen is often challenging, due to the worldwide spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR) organisms with reduced susceptibility to the available broad-spectrum antimicrobials. New therapeutic strategies are 5 to improve the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment while minimizing the risk of resistance selection.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; bloodstream infections; central venous catheter; combination therapy;daptomycin; de-escalation; empiric therapy; intensive care unit.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bacteremia / drug therapy*
  • Bacteremia / epidemiology*
  • Bacteremia / prevention & control
  • Central Venous Catheters / microbiology
  • Communicable Diseases / drug therapy
  • Communicable Diseases / microbiology
  • Communicable Diseases / transmission
  • Critical Illness / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Daptomycin / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Daptomycin