Multicentre surveillance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility patterns in nosocomial infections.
OBJECTIVE
To determine susceptibility rates and patterns in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from nosocomial infections.


METHODS
Seven hundred and sixteen P. aeruginosa isolates from 40 different hospitals in Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were collected in 1999.


RESULTS
Resistance rates varied significantly between hospitals. Of the fluoroquinolones, ciprofloxacin showed least resistance (24%), levofloxacin showed 27.5% resistance and ofloxacin 37.5%. Of the aminoglycosides, amikacin was the most potent antibiotic (10.5% resistance), followed by isepamicin (12%), tobramycin (19.5%) and gentamicin (23.5%). Of the beta-lactam antibiotics, meropenem was the most active (9.5% resistance); piperacillin and piperacillin/tazobactam had, respectively, 24% and 17.5% resistance, ceftazidime 28.5%, cefepime 29.5%, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid 37% and aztreonam 55.5%. MIC distribution curves show the presence of significant subpopulations, with MICs just below breakpoint for many antibiotics.


CONCLUSIONS
Resistance of P. aeruginosa to penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides varies between hospitals, but is increasing.
Van Eldere
J
J
Rega Institute and Laboratory of Microbiology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. johan.vaneldere@uz.kuleuven.ac.be
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents