Influence of fluoroquinolone consumption in inpatients and outpatients on ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli in a university hospital

Abstract

This ecological analysis, conducted on a teaching hospital scale, suggests that ciprofloxacin resistance in E. coli in hospital is linked to consumption of fluoroquinolones within the hospital and its surrounding community. Among all fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin use was found to be the most important factor. Consumption in outpatients appears to be a relevant determinant to consider in designing interventions to reduce resistance in hospitals.