The role of gram-negative bacteria in healthcare-associated pneumonia

Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2009 Feb;30(1):61-6. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1119810. Epub 2009 Feb 6.

Abstract

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is a unique entity that differs from community-acquired pneumonia in both bacteriology and outcomes and has similarities to hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia. HCAP patients are at higher risk of potential multidrug-resistant pathogens, including resistant gram-negative organisms, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa and acinetobacter spp., but also extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). This manuscript reviews the epidemiology, etiology, and clinical outcomes of hospitalized HCAP patients due to gram-negative bacteria. We will focus our attention on the potential multidrug-resistant pathogens to suggest a new treatment approach for these patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents