Influence of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Molecular Rapid Diagnostic Tests on Antimicrobial Prescribing for Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase- and Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichiacoli and Klebsiellapneumoniae in Bloodstream Infection

Abstract

Our study supports the additional benefit of molecular rapid diagnostic test in combination with timely antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) intervention on shortening the time to both optimal and effective antimicrobial therapy in patients with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- or carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections, compared to conventional microbiological methods and ASP. Gram-negative infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, often resulting in life-threatening organ dysfunction.