Antibiotic resistance: What is so special about multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria?

In the past years infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria have dramatically increased in all parts of the world. This Martin Exner1 Sanjay Bhattacharya2 consensus paper is based on presentations, subsequent discussions Bärbel Christiansen3 and an appraisal of current literature by a panel of international experts invited by the Rudolf Schülke Stiftung, Hamburg. It deals with the epi- Jürgen Gebel1 demiology and the inherent properties of Gram-negative bacteria, elu- Peter Goroncy-Bermes4 cidating the patterns of the spread of antibiotic resistance, highlighting Philippe Hartemann5 reservoirs as well as transmission pathways and risk factors for infection, Peter Heegmortality, treatment and prevention options as well as the consequences 6 of their prevalence in livestock. Following a global, One Health approach Carola Ilschner1 and based on the evaluation of the existing knowledge about these Axel Kramer7 pathogens, this paper gives recommendations for prevention and infecElaine Larsontion control measures as well as proposals for various target groups to 8,9 tackle the threats posed by Gram-negative bacteria and prevent the spread and emergence of new antibiotic resistances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]