Antimicrobial resistance in intensive care units

Abstract

The unique nature of the intensive care unit (ICU) environment makes this part of the hospital a focus for the emergence and spread of many antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. There are ample opportunities for the cross-transmission of resistant bacteria from patient to patient, and patients are commonly exposed to broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. Rates of resistance have increased for most pathogens associated with nosocomial infections among ICU patients, and rates are almost universally higher among ICU patients compared with non-ICU patients. There are many opportunities, however, to prevent the emergence and spread of these resistant pathogens through improved use of established infection control measures (i.e., patient isolation, hand washing, glove use, and appropriate gown use), and implementation of a systematic review of antimicrobial use.