Impact of fluoroquinolone administration on the emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant gram-negative bacilli from gastrointestinal flora

We assessed the risk factors for acquisition of fluoroquinolone-resistant, gram-negative organisms in the gastrointestinal tract of hospitalized patie nts. We analyzed stool samples from 204 patients and recovered fluoroquinol one-resistant, gram-negative organisms from 63. Receipt of fluoroquinolone during the month preceding admission was the only risk factor identified, w hereas female sex, duration of hospitalization, exposure to indwelling devi ces, admission from another hospital, and history of infection were risk fa ctors for fecal colonization after day 4.