Breakpoints for extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriacae: Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations

Abstract

An understanding of antibacterial pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics is central to setting clinical breakpoints. It is important to understand any impact that a resistance mechanism may have on these basic drug properties. With extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains of Enterobacteriacae, it is known that MIC, and hence T >MIC, for β-lactams predicts outcome. Therefore, pharmacodynamic modelling can be used to set breakpoints for ESBL-producing bacteria with β-lactams. © 2008 The Author Journal Compilation © 2008 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.