Journal of global antimicrobial resistance
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J Glob Antimicrob Resist · Sep 2015
Antimicrobial resistance and resistance mechanisms of Enterobacteriaceae in ICU and non-ICU wards in Europe and North America: SMART 2011-2013.
Intensive care units (ICUs) are often described as hotbeds of antimicrobial resistance, with high rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae. Data from the SMART study were used to examine differences between the susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae from ICU and non-ICU wards in Europe and North America. In total, 21,470 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections were collected at 90 sites in 20 European and North American countries in 2011-2013. ⋯ ESBL and MDR rates varied considerably within Europe. Antimicrobial resistance was higher in Europe than North America, especially in ICUs. Further surveillance at the country, hospital and even patient ward level, and investigation of reasons for these findings, would be useful for the development of effective strategies to reduce antimicrobial resistance in ICUs.