Efficacy of Ertapenem for Treatment of Bloodstream Infections Caused by Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae

Abstract

ABSTRACTErtapenem is active against extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producingEnterobacteriaceaeorganisms but inactive againstPseudomonas aeruginosaandAcinetobacter baumannii. Due to a lack of therapeutic data for ertapenem in the treatment of ESBL bloodstream infections (BSIs), group 2 carbapenems (e.g., imipenem or meropenem) are often preferred for treatment of ESBL-producingEnterobacteriaceae, although their antipseudomonal activity is unnecessary. From 2005 to 2010, 261 patients with ESBL BSIs were analyzed. Outcomes were equivalent between patients treated with ertapenem and those treated with group 2 carbapenems (mortality rates of 6% and 18%, respectively;P= 0.18).