Clinical and microbiological analyses of colistin-resistant strains among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex clinical isolates

Abstract

Although new antibiotics are being developed, there are still limited options for treating carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex (CR-ECC) in regions where their use is restricted. The resistance level to one of these options, colistin, was investigated using bacteria isolated from clinical samples. In clinical practice, colistin is frequently administered empirically without susceptibility testing. However, this study suggests that colistin can be safely administered to certain species such as Enterobacter hormaechei within the CR-ECC.