OVERVIEW

Therapeutic Advances to Treat Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria is organized by Healio and Vindico Medical Education.

This enduring material is approved for 1 year from the date of original release, June 20, 2022, to June 19, 2023.

Activity Description:
Carbapenem antibiotics have an important antibiotic niche in that they retain activity against the chromosomal cephalosporinases and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases found in many gram-negative pathogens. The emergence of carbapenem-hydrolyzing beta-lactamases has threatened the clinical utility of this antibiotic class and brings clinicians a step closer to the challenge of “extreme drug resistance” in gram-negative bacilli. Clinically available potent antibiotics that are active against gram-negative pathogens such as carbapenem-resistant pathogens are becoming increasingly scarce in the present era of antibiotic resistance. However, the recent inclusion of new therapies for gram-negative, carbapenem-resistant infections in the treatment armamentarium has provided new tools for treating clinicians. This podcast series will review the prevalence and burden of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections, the current and emerging treatment options for these infections, and the impact of COVID-19 on antibiotic stewardship.

Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:
• Examine the prevalence, patterns, and mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant, gram-negative bacterial infections, including the challenges involved in treating them.
• Identify the burden of hospital-acquired pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal infections in patients infected with resistant gram-negative-pathogens, including carbapenem-resistant pathogens.
• Review current and emerging treatment options to treat gram-negative bacterial infections, such as carbapenem-resistant infections.
• Assess the impact of COVID-19 on antibiotic stewardship and the potential clinical implications.