Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Gram-Negative Pathogens Isolated from Patients with Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections in South African Hospitals (SMART Study 2004–2009): Impact of the New Carbapenem Breakpoints

Abstract

This study documented substantial resistance to standard antimicrobial therapy among GNB commonly isolated from cIAIs in South Africa. With the application of the new CLSI carbapenem breakpoints, discrepancies were noted between ertapenem and imipenem-cilastatin with regard to the changes in their individual susceptibilities. Longitudinal surveillance of susceptibility patterns is useful to guide recommendations for empiric antibiotic use in cIAIs.