Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria Infections: Current Epidemiology, Prognosis and Treatment Options

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Antibiotic Therapy in Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 3330

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Emergency Room Infection Disease, Cotugno Hospital AORN dei Colli, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: infectious emergency; infection control; antimicrobial stewardship

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the rapidly evolving world of infectious diseases, multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) infections present significant threats to global public health. Understanding the prognosis and outcomes of MDR-GNB infections is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers alike.

In this Special Issue, we welcome scholars to explore current epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment options for these infections, including but not limited to those caused by Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Areas of interest include:

  1. The latest advances in understanding the mechanisms of resistance and transmission dynamics, as well as novel approaches to combatting these pathogens.
  2. Evaluation of the efficacy of existing treatment options and the exploration of emerging strategies to effectively prevent and manage these infections.
  3. Addressing the need for enhanced surveillance and rapid diagnostic methods to monitor the spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and support optimal clinical decision making in the optimization of treatment plans.

This Special Issue will serve as a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers striving to reduce the impact of drug resistance on global health.

Dr. Novella Carannante
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria
  • epidemiology and prognosis
  • antibiotic treatment options
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • infection control and antibiotic use

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 717 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Activity of Cefiderocol and Aztreonam/Avibactam Against Gram-Negative Non-Fermenting Bacteria: A New Strategy Against Highly Antibiotic-Resistant Infectious Agents
by Jan Závora, Václava Adámková, Alžběta Studená and Gabriela Kroneislová
Antibiotics 2025, 14(8), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14080762 - 29 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) represent a significant clinical challenge due to their intrinsic and acquired resistance, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Infections cause by NFGNB are associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially among patients with cystic fibrosis and hematologic malignancies. This study [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) represent a significant clinical challenge due to their intrinsic and acquired resistance, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Infections cause by NFGNB are associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially among patients with cystic fibrosis and hematologic malignancies. This study aimed to assess the in vitro susceptibility of clinically relevant NFGNB isolates to two newer antibiotics, cefiderocol and aztreonam/avibactam, and an established antibiotic, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Methods: This retrospective, monocentric study analysed 94 NFGNB isolates (30 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 30 Acinetobacter sp., 24 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and 10 Burkholderia cepacia complex). Susceptibility testing for cefiderocol, aztreonam/avibactam, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was conducted using gradient strip method. MIC values were interpreted using EUCAST breakpoints, ECOFFs, or alternative criteria when necessary. Results: All S. maltophilia isolates were susceptible to cefiderocol (FCR) and aztreonam/avibactam (A/A) based on ECOFFs, with one strain resistant to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (COT). Burkholderia cepacia complex strains also showed high susceptibility to FCR, with only one isolate exceeding the ECOFF for A/A, and 20% resistant to COT. All Acinetobacter sp. isolates were susceptible to FCR; however, most MIC values clustered at or just below the ECOFF value. In P. aeruginosa, one isolate was resistant to FCR, and three isolates (10%) were resistant to A/A. Interestingly, confirmed carbapenemase producers remained susceptible to both FCR and A/A. Most A/A MIC values for P. aeruginosa were just below the ECOFF. Conclusions: Cefiderocol and aztreonam/avibactam demonstrated promising in vitro activity against clinically relevant NFGNB, including carbapenem-resistant strains. These findings support their potential role as therapeutic options for difficult-to-treat infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Full article
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13 pages, 1371 KiB  
Article
Multisite Infections Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae: Unveiling the Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors
by Jing Li, Shunjun Wu, Huanhuan Zhang, Xingxing Guo, Wanting Meng, Heng Zhao and Liqiang Song
Antibiotics 2025, 14(7), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070721 - 18 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Objectives: There is a scarcity of studies on multisite infections (MSIs) caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). The primary objectives of this research were to determine the clinical characteristics of CRKP MSI, and the risk factors of infection and mortality. Methods: [...] Read more.
Objectives: There is a scarcity of studies on multisite infections (MSIs) caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). The primary objectives of this research were to determine the clinical characteristics of CRKP MSI, and the risk factors of infection and mortality. Methods: Patients with a CRKP bloodstream infection (BSI) were enrolled retrospectively between January 2017 and December 2021 in Xijing Hospital, China. The risk factors for CRKP MSI and mortality were evaluated. The demographic data, clinical and microbiological characteristics, therapy and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Among 101 patients, 74.3% (75/101) had a diagnosis of CRKP MSI, while 25.7% (26/101) of CRKP non-MSI. The overall case fatality rate was 42.6% (43/101). Multivariate analysis indicated that previous surgery (OR 3.971, 95% CI 1.504–10.480, p = 0.005) and ICU admission (OR 3.322, 95% CI 1.252–8.816, p = 0.016) were independent risk factors for CRKP MSI. ICU admission (OR 4.765, 95% CI 1.192–19.054, p = 0.027), a Pitt bacteremia score (PBS) > 4 (OR 3.820, 95% CI 1.218–11.983, p = 0.022) and thrombocytopenia (OR 8.650, 95% CI 2.573–29.007, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for mortality due to CRKP MSI. Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that CRKP MSIs were associated with poorer outcomes. To improve prognosis, early screening of individuals at the highest risk is vital. Full article
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11 pages, 491 KiB  
Article
Ciprofloxacin for the Treatment of Infections Caused by Carbapenemase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria
by Pablo Rubiñan, Belén Viñado, Nuria Fernández-Hidalgo, Nieves Larrosa, Abiu Sempere, David Campany, Dolors Rodríguez-Pardo, Juan José González-López, Xavier Nuvials, Ester del Barrio-Tofiño, Laura Escolà-Vergé and Ibai Los-Arcos
Antibiotics 2024, 13(12), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13121138 - 26 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Background: There is no experience with ciprofloxacin for the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (CP-GNB) infections. Methods: This is a retrospective single-centre study where we describe the clinical evolution of all consecutive adult patients who received ciprofloxacin monotherapy for the treatment of CP-GNB [...] Read more.
Background: There is no experience with ciprofloxacin for the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (CP-GNB) infections. Methods: This is a retrospective single-centre study where we describe the clinical evolution of all consecutive adult patients who received ciprofloxacin monotherapy for the treatment of CP-GNB infections. Primary outcomes were clinical failure (defined as death, lack of clinical improvement or a switch to another drug) at day 14 and 30-day all-cause mortality. Results: Nineteen patients were included. Fifteen (79%) were men, the median age was 74 years (IQR 66–79) and the median Charlson comorbidity index was five (IQR 3–6.5). The most frequent infections were: nine complicated urinary tract infections, three soft tissue infections and three intra-abdominal infections. Twenty CP-GNBs were isolated (one patient had a coinfection): nine VIM-type-producing Enterobacterales, nine OXA-48-type-producing Enterobacterales and two VIM-type-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Six (32%) patients had positive blood cultures, and one presented with septic shock. The median duration of ciprofloxacin treatment was 14 days (IQR 10–15). One patient presented with clinical failure at day 14. There was no 30-day mortality. Two patients exhibited microbiological recurrence at day 90. There were no reported adverse effects. Conclusions: Monotherapy with ciprofloxacin may be an alternative treatment for selected, clinically stable patients with ciprofloxacin-susceptible CP-GNB infections. Full article
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