[Impact of fluoroquinolone use on multidrug-resistant bacteria emergence]

Pathol Biol (Paris). 2005 Oct-Nov;53(8-9):470-5. doi: 10.1016/j.patbio.2005.07.008. Epub 2005 Sep 19.
[Article in French]

Abstract

During the last two decades, fluoroquinolone use has significantly increased in Europe and in the USA. This could be explained by the arrival of newer fluoroquinolones with antipneumoccal activity. Increased use of fluoroquinolones is associated with higher rates of bacterial resistance to these antibiotics. Resistance of Gram-negative bacilli to fluoroquinolones is increasing in industrialized countries. In addition, fluoroquinolone use has been identified as a risk factor for colonization and infection to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanni, extending-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Gram negative bacilli, and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nosocomial infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria are associated with higher mortality and morbidity rates. This could be related to more frequent inappropriate initial antibiotic treatment in these patients. Limiting the use of fluoroquinolones, limiting the duration of treatment with fluoroquinolones, and using appropriate dosage of these antibiotics could be suggested to reduce resistance to these antibiotics and to reduce the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial / physiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple*
  • Fluoroquinolones / pharmacology*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Fluoroquinolones