Abstract

In this editorial, we treat the multi-drug-resistance of microorganisms such as Klebsiella pneumonia (Kp) and Acinetobacter baumanii and the issues concerning the management of these infections. Diseases caused by carbapenemase-resistant Kp (CR-Kp) represent an emerging threat worldwide due to high mortality rate and limited therapeutic options. Consequently innovative therapies have been suggested for their treatment. Colistin- based combinations are considered the milestone of the therapy for CR-Kp. They include meropenem+colistin, meropenem +colistin+tigecycline, the double carbapenem+colistin, tigecycline+colistin, colistin+gentamicin and even colistin +vancomycin. However, colistin use might be limited by its potential nephrotoxicity and resistance. Other antibiotic combinations concern the tigecycline with gentamicin, fosfomycin with aminoglycoside and ertapenem with meropenem. Thus, the double carbapenem-regimen might be considered as a suitable therapy in those subjects in whom previous antimicrobial combinations failed. New antibiotics such as ceftazidime-avibactam effective on CR-Kp and ceftolozane-tazobactam active against XDR (Extensively Drug Resistant) Pseudomonas aeruginosa are now being used in many countries. The mortality results to be lower in patients treated with antibiotic combinations than in those who underwent monotherapy. Efforts should be made by the clinicians in order to limit the widespread of these resistant microorganisms all over the world. Encouraging new solutions as bacteriophage therapy or biocides currently does not seem the right choice.

Keywords: Multidrug-resistance; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Acinetobacter baumannii; Innovative therapies; Colistin, Antibiotics combinations; Mortality rate