title: Principles of antibiotic therapy.
abstract: The primary development in the area of antibiotic treatment for surgical infections in the last 5 years has been the expanded clinical importance of beta-lactamases in the protection of Gram-negative organisms from previously active drugs. To counter this problem, a series of new antibiotic agents has been developed, including new cephalosporins, carbapenems, quinolones, and beta-lactamase inhibitors. This article describes the various beta-lactamases and their mechanisms of action, and details the activity of new antibiotic agents against resistant Gram-negative organisms. Recent information on the importance of combination therapy for patients with severe Gram-negative infections is reviewed. The use of optimized aminoglycoside dosing regimens, including once-a-day dosing, provides an additional strategy for treating serious Gram-negative infections.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Solomkin
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Miyagawa
mesh_terms: D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000502:physiology; D047090:beta-Lactams
chemical_list: D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D047090:beta-Lactams; D001618:beta-Lactamases