Update on the role of ceftazidime-avibactam in the management of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales

Abstract

Ceftazidime-avibactam is a novel combination of a known cephalosporin and a non-β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor that has been approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections, hospital-acquired pneumonia as well as Gram-negative infections with limited treatment options in Europe. Since its approval, it has been used in patients with infections due to carbapenem-resistant bacteria, in many occasions as off-label indication or salvage therapy, with promising clinical and microbiological cure rates. Emergence of resistance during therapy to this new combination has already been described, which is a matter of concern. A rational use of these new therapeutic options is critical in the multidrug resistance era. The current review focuses on the clinical experience in real life of ceftazidime-avibactam use in the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales.