CEFTAZIDIME RESISTANCE AMONG SELECTED NOSOCOMIAL GRAM-NEGATIVE BACILLI IN THE UNITED-STATES

To examine temporal trends in ceftazidime resistance, susceptibility d ata reported to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system during 1987-1991 were analyzed among nosocomial Enterobacter species, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Linear increases i n resistance were observed for Enterobacter species and K. pneumoniae. One hospital experienced a dramatic rise from 1.0% in 1987-1989 to 40 % in 1990-1991 (P < .001) in ceftazidime resistance among K. pneumonia e isolates. No increase was observed during this period for P. aerugin osa. Logistic regression analysis confirmed these trends (or the lack thereof) for Enterobacter species and P. aeruginosa; for K. pneumoniae , ceftazidime resistance was found to be increasing among isolates fro m teaching hospitals and intensive care units. Ceftazidime resistance is an emerging problem that has the potential for dramatic increases. Selective pressures for the development of ceftazidime resistance need to be identified and addressed.