title: Multiresistant Gram-negative infections: a global perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Multiresistant Gram-negative infections are an increasing problem in hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide. While much attention has been paid to Gram-positive pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus lately, the importance of Gram-negative nosocomial infections has also been recognized globally.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recent reports have described the spread of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae across North America. In addition, many strains of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter in Asia are resistant to all known antibiotics. The global epidemiology of multiresistant Gram-negative pathogens seems to vary by continent. There are very few existing agents which can be used for these pathogens and there are limited options on the horizon. This limited therapeutic armamentarium has been an impetus for novel approaches including combination therapies and increased attention to infection control and prevention efforts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians need to be aware of the rising problem of resistance in nosocomial and community-acquired Gram-negative pathogens. Novel agents are urgently needed to combat these infections and innovative infection control strategies need to be devised to protect our vulnerable patients.
authors.affiliation: National University Hospital Singapore, Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore. jho@gmp.usyd.edu.au
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Tambyah
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Paterson
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology; D014943:Global Health; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000472:pathogenicity; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents