Novel multi-drug resistant microorganisms in critically ill: a potential threat

Infections due to multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens are among the major threats in critically ill patients. Reduced
vancomycin susceptibility in Staphylococcus aureus, high-level aminoglycoside resistance in enterococci, extended
spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemases production in Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem and colistin
resistance in Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. are increasing in many intensive care units around the world.
In the last few years some new anti-Gram-positive agents have been developed, whereas for Gram-negatives the
available options are very limited. Infections control and antimicrobial stewardship programs are currently the only
available options to avoid a further increase of these pathogens