Abstract

CORTES, J. A.; GARZON, D. C.; NAVARRETE, J. A.  and  CONTRERAS, K. M.. Impact of inappropriate antimicrobial therapy on patients with bacteremia in intensive care units and resistance patterns in Latin America. Rev. argent. microbiol. [online]. 2010, vol.42, n.3, pp.230-234. ISSN 1851-7617.

Patient care in an intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with an increased risk of developing nosocomial infections. Bacteremia is responsible for a great number of cases, 23% of which have attributable mortality in developed countries and can affect up to 52% of ICU patients. The main cause of mortality is inadequate and inappropriate antimicrobial empirical therapy. The incorrect use of antimicrobials is a major risk for identifying multidrug resistant microorganisms, thereby involving increased morbidity, mortality and costs. Implementing several surveillance systems and becoming acquainted with resistance patterns represent a valuable tool for identifying, preventing and treating this infectious complication. There is paucity of data regarding antimicrobial resistance in bacteremic patients in Latin America, and the available data reveals a worrying scenario.

Keywords : Bacteremia; Nosocomial infection; Latin America; Intensive care units; Antimicrobial drug resistance.

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