Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Mapping antimicrobial susceptibility of community-acquired uropathogenic Escherichia coli across low, middle and high-income countries highlights significant differences: insights for empiric treatment.
Authors: Rizvi M et al
Abstract
Objectives: Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTI) poses a global challenge. Evidence-based treatment of cystitis requires local resistance data. The DASH to Protect Antibiotics (https://dashuti.com/), a multi-regional group, supports centers in generating and sharing focused antibiograms to guide stewardship in community UTIs. This multi-country study aimed to describe antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of community-acquired E. coli isolates in low, middle, and high-income countries (LMICs and HICs). Methods: The study was conducted in 37 representative centers across 13 countries in Asia (Middle East and Indian Subcontinent), Africa, Europe, and North America. A rigorous comparative analysis of the antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolated from cases of simple cystitis presenting in outpatient or emergency departments was carried out. The impact of gross domestic product, climate, and population density per km2 on E. coli susceptibility profile was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and two-way analysis of variance. Results: Antimicrobial susceptibility varied significantly between LMICs and HICs, with nitrofurantoin (89%) and fosfomycin (96%) emerging as empiric choices globally. Across most centers, susceptibility to other oral antimicrobials was low: co-trimoxazole <60%, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid <70%, first-generation cephalosporins <50%, fluoroquinolones <60%. Injectable antibiotics fared better: piperacillin-tazobactam >70%, amikacin and meropenem >80%. Higher susceptibilities were noted in countries with high gross domestic product (P < 0.001) and humidity (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Marked geographical differences in E. coli susceptibility patterns support the need for localized antibiograms and tailored empirical therapy. This study reinforces the utility of nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin as first-line agents and discourages the use of fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Emerging threat of WHO priority pathogens in ICU-associated CLABSI and CAUTI: an integrated analysis of resistance patterns, epidemiological trends, and stewardship strategies.
Authors: Anand G et al
Abstract
Purpose: To unmask the alarming prevalence, intricate antimicrobial resistance patterns, and consequential clinical outcomes of World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogens causing device-associated infections in critical care settings – a frontier analysis of silent pandemic threatening modern healthcare.
Methods: This groundbreaking retrospective study analysed data from 5,398 patients at risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and 15,416 patients for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) spanning 2021-2024. Microbial isolates were categorized according to WHO’s priority pathogen classifications. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were comprehensively analysed using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, with statistical analyses elucidating pathogen distribution dynamics, resistance mechanisms, and mortality correlations.
Results: Striking findings revealed WHO priority pathogens dominated the microbial landscape, constituting 76.47% of CLABSI and 82.14% of CAUTI isolates – with critical priority organisms overwhelmingly predominant (83.34% and 91.3%, respectively). Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) emerged as the formidable leading threat (39.5% of CLABSI, 72.7% of CAUTI), while Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) demonstrated exceptional virulence with devastating mortality (93.33%). The study unveiled unprecedented levels of multidrug resistance, with most therapeutic options rendered ineffective; only colistin maintained universal efficacy against gram-negative isolates despite its concerning toxicity profile. Dramatic disparities in infection outcomes revealed CLABSI-associated mortality rates (71.79%) significantly eclipsed CAUTI (39.13%), establishing infection type as a critical independent predictor of survival.
Conclusions: This landmark investigation exposes the crossroad between WHO priority pathogens and healthcare-associated infections, sounding an urgent alarm for global healthcare systems. Our findings provide crucial evidence-based guidance for recalibrating therapeutic approaches, optimizing antimicrobial selection, and prioritizing infection control measures in intensive care settings worldwide.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Modern approaches enhancing the efficiency of antibiotic therapy in hospital practice.
Authors: Bauer L et al
Abstract
The current effective antibiotic therapy requires modern approaches focused on optimizing treatment and slowing the growth of antimicrobial resistance. A key tool in hospitals is the concept of antimicrobial stewardship, which relies on collaboration in multidisciplinary teams composed of infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, clinical pharmacists, and epidemiologists. These teams focus on the correct choice of antibiotic and its dosage, monitoring its effectiveness and minimising adverse effects. Expanding possibilities in the field of monitoring and interpretation of plasma concentrations of an increasing number of antibiotics enable effective and safe optimization of dosing and administration methods (prolonged and continuous infusions) adjusted for individual patients, thereby allowing a personalized approach to pharmacotherapy. The optimization of antibiotic dosing is further supported using modern administration tools. In the hospital setting, electronic parametric prescribing, centralized preparation and dispensing of anti-infectives by the hospital pharmacy also leads to improved safety. In outpatient care, possibilities are expanding with the concept of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy, which reduces the risk of nosocomial infections and provides the comfort of a home environment for patients. However, its broader use is hindered mainly by the lack of official stability data for antibiotic preparations, as well as administrative and financial barriers associated with integrating this innovative concept into routine practice.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Feasibility and utility of the days of antibiotic spectrum coverage (DASC) in national antimicrobial use surveillance in Japan.
Authors: Kawamura I et al
Abstract
Objective: Days of antibiotic spectrum coverage (DASC) is a novel metric that incorporates the antibiotic spectrum into consumption metrics, addressing the limitations of traditional metrics such as days of therapy (DOT). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of integrating DASC into the Japan Surveillance for Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology (J-SIPHE) system.
Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Hospitals voluntarily participating in J-SIPHE. Participants: Inpatients from 1,833 hospitals between January 2019 and December 2022. Methods: Antibiotic use was assessed using DOT, DASC, and DASC/DOT. Antibiotic spectrum coverage scores were assigned based on published data or expert consensus. Annual trends were assessed using median values, and hospital-level variation was explored by hospital size. Proportional use of antibiotic classes by DOT and DASC was compared using 2022 data.
Results: As the number of hospitals participating in J-SIPHE increased over time-particularly small and medium-sized hospitals-median DOT and DASC per 1,000 patient-days declined by 21.2% and 19.1%, respectively, from 2019 to 2022, while DASC/DOT remained stable. In 2022, proportional use of antibiotic classes varied by hospital size, and rankings differed when comparing DOT- and DASC-based measures. Broad-spectrum agents such as carbapenems and fluoroquinolones ranked higher by DASC than DOT. Hospital-level distributions of DOT and DASC/DOT showed substantial variation across hospital sizes.
Conclusions: Integration of DASC metrics into national surveillance is feasible. DASC and DASC/DOT complement DOT by incorporating spectrum breadth, providing more comprehensive insight into antimicrobial use patterns and supporting stewardship benchmarking and intervention planning.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Bug Wars: Artificial Intelligence Strikes Back in Sepsis Management.
Authors: Bakas GI et al
Abstract
Sepsis remains a leading global cause of mortality, with delayed recognition and empirical antibiotic overuse fueling poor outcomes and rising antimicrobial resistance. This systematic scoping review evaluates the current landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications in sepsis care, focusing on early detection, personalized antibiotic management, and resistance forecasting. Literature from 2019 to 2025 was systematically reviewed following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 129 full-text articles were analyzed, with study quality assessed via the JBI and QUADAS-2 tools. AI-based models demonstrated robust predictive performance for early sepsis detection (AUROC 0.68-0.99), antibiotic stewardship, and resistance prediction. Notable tools, such as InSight and KI.SEP, leveraged multimodal clinical and biomarker data to provide actionable, real-time support and facilitate timely interventions. AI-driven platforms showed potential to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and nephrotoxicity while optimizing outcomes. However, most models are limited by single-center data, variable interpretability, and insufficient real-world validation. Key challenges remain regarding data integration, algorithmic bias, and ethical implementation. Future research should prioritize multicenter validation, seamless integration with clinical workflows, and robust ethical frameworks to ensure safe, equitable, and effective adoption. AI and ML hold significant promise to transform sepsis management, but their clinical impact depends on transparent, validated, and user-centered deployment.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Dalbavancin for Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: The DOTS Randomized Clinical Trial.
Authors: Turner NA et al
Abstract
Importance: Dalbavancin is a long-acting intravenous lipoglycopeptide that may be effective for treatment of complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia without requiring long-term intravenous access.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dalbavancin vs standard therapy for completion of treatment of complicated S aureus bacteremia.
Design, setting, and participants: Open-label, assessor-masked, randomized clinical trial conducted from April 2021 to December 2023 at 23 medical centers in the US (n = 22) and Canada (n = 1). Participant follow-up lasted 70 days (180 days for participants with osteomyelitis); date of final follow-up was December 1, 2023. Hospitalized adults with complicated S aureus bacteremia who achieved blood culture clearance following at least 72 hours but no more than 10 days of initial antibacterial therapy were included. Participants were excluded if they had central nervous system infection, retained infected prosthetic material, left-sided endocarditis, or severe immune compromise.
Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 2 doses of intravenous dalbavancin (n = 100; 1500 mg on days 1 and 8) or 4 to 8 total weeks of standard intravenous therapy (n = 100; cefazolin or antistaphylococcal penicillin if methicillin susceptible; vancomycin or daptomycin if methicillin resistant).
Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was the desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) at day 70, which involved 5 components (clinical success, infectious complications, safety complications, mortality, and health-related quality of life) and was assessed for superiority (achieved if the 95% CI for the probability of dalbavancin having a superior DOOR was >50%). Secondary outcomes included clinical efficacy at day 70 (prespecified noninferiority margin of 20%) and safety.
Results: Of 200 participants randomized (mean [SD] age, 56 [16.2] years; 62 females [31%]), 167 (84%) survived to day 70 and had an efficacy assessment. Participants without a day 70 efficacy assessment were treated as clinical failures in the analyses. The probability of a more desirable day 70 outcome with dalbavancin vs standard therapy was 47.7% (95% CI, 39.8% to 55.7%). Regarding secondary outcomes, clinical efficacy was documented in 73 of 100 for dalbavancin and 72 of 100 for standard therapy (difference, 1.0% [95% CI, -11.5% to 13.5%]), meeting the noninferiority criterion. Serious adverse events were reported in 40 of 100 participants who received dalbavancin and 34 of 100 participants who received standard therapy; treatment-related adverse events were uncommon in both groups.
Conclusions and relevance: Among adult participants with complicated S aureus bacteremia who achieved blood culture clearance, dalbavancin was not superior to standard therapy by desirability of outcome ranking. When considered with other efficacy and safety outcomes these findings may help inform use of dalbavancin in clinical practice.