Study Evaluating Antibiotic Use in Reducing Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci and ESBL Producing Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae in Intensive Care

Antibiotic Intervention Trial in a Medical Intensive Care Unit to Reduce the Acquisition of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci and ESBL Producing Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella Pneumoniae.

To determine whether the restriction of 3rd generation cephalosporins and carbapenems contribute to the reduction of intestinal colonization or infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in a medical intensive care unit (MICU).

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients admitted to or transferred to the MICU.
• Patients 18 years of age or older.
• Provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients known to be infected or colonized by VRE or ESBL-producing E.coli, K.pneumoniae.
• Patients who have hypersensitivity to penicillin.
• Any underlying conditions or diseases that will be ultimately fatal within 48 hours.
• Any concurrent condition or medication which would interfere with absorption or metabolism of study drugs.