RESUMEN
Severe sepsis and septic shock in the intensive care unit (ICU) needs emergent coverage with empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics, with a commitment to de-escalation once the organism and its susceptibility to a particular antibiotic becomes known. The dose and duration of antibiotic must be optimized according to standard guidelines to prevent emergence of resistant pathogens. Strategies of using Procalcitonin measurements in guiding the duration of antibiotic treatment and aerosolized antibiotics are helpful in optimizing antibiotic usage. Efforts are needed to prevent emergence of antibiotic resistance by pathogens, as the antibiotic pipeline is dwindling and the number of newly discovered multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens is increasing. Prevention of infection must be given top priority by strict adherence to asepsis measures.