Antibiotic Synergy Profiles of Multidrug-Resistant - Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Nosocomial Environment

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common nosocomial pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs); with an increased prevalence of multidrug resistance in nosocomial infections. This study aimed to determine antibiotic synergy profiles of multidrugresistantP. aeruginosa originating from ICU patients in a teaching hospital in Pretoria; South Africa. Susceptibility studies and in vitrosynergy testing were performed; utilising agar dilution and Etest methodology; respectively. Susceptibility studies revealed 94of isolates exhibiting resistance to more than three anti-pseudomonal agents tested. Results from antibiotic synergy studies suggested that cefepime (p0.0001) or meropenem (p0.0001) in combination with amikacin are possible treatment options available in this specific setting: