MANAGEMENT OF NOSOCOMIAL PNEUMONIA AND PL ACE OF CEFTAZIDIME

Pneumonia is one of the most frequent nosocomial infection, especially in intensive care patients. It is associated with an extended duratio n of hospitalization; a high mortality and a significant economic burd en. Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aure us are the most common pathogens encountered and are often resistant t o many antibiotics. Several therapeutic strategies are available using broad-spectrum lactam agents such as ceftazidime, new quinolones and aminoglycosides. Combination therapy should be prefered to monotherapy in order to achieve a synergistic bactericidal activity and to reduce or prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Prevention stra tegies should focus on more effective infection control techniques and the judicious use of antibiotics for treatment and prophylaxis.