title: Ceftolozane/tazobactam for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Decisions regarding empirical antimicrobial therapy for complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) are increasingly difficult because of the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are a particular challenge, as is multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both of which are encountered in cIAI. Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a new antimicrobial that provides an effective solution for treating cIAI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evidence concerning the mechanism of action of ceftolozane/tazobactam, its in vitro activity against common cIAI pathogens, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are reviewed. The clinical efficacy and safety of ceftolozane/tazobactam plus metronidazole, as determined by the Phase II and III clinical trials in hospitalized adults with cIAI, are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ceftolozane/tazobactam has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with cIAI, including those who are infected with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa. High rates of clinical cure by ceftolozane/tazobactam in Phase II and III trials suggest that this antimicrobial will be valuable for treating infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria. In recent years, clinicians have become dependent on carbapenems for treating MDR infections. There is concern that this could lead to emergence of carbapenem-resistant strains, emphasizing the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. Ceftolozane/tazobactam appears to be an effective carbapenem-sparing alternative for treating cIAI.
authors.affiliation: Klinikum Peine, Academic Hospital of Medical University Hannover, Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery , Virchowstrasse 8h, D-31221, Peine , Germany +49 0 5171 931530 ; +49 0 5171 931549 ; christian.eckmann@klinikum-peine.de.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Eckmann
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Solomkin
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D059413:Intraabdominal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010397:Penicillanic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000078142:Tazobactam
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D004338:Drug Combinations; C519491:ceftolozane; D010397:Penicillanic Acid; D000078142:Tazobactam
keywords: Gram-negative bacteria; ceftolozane/tazobactam; complicated intra-abdominal infection; enterobacteriaceae; multidrug resistance