Program Summary

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) are often associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Improper antibiotic use plays a large role in the emergence of resistant strains of microorganisms. Guidelines for the management of adults with HAP, VAP, and HCAP were released in late 2004 by the American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. These guidelines call for the early, appropriate use of antibiotics, taking into consideration risk factors for infection with MDR pathogens, and subsequent modification to antibiotic therapy based on the results of cultures and the patient's clinical response. Appropriate antibiotic use, antibiotic cycling, and antibiotic prescribing restrictions may stem the development of resistance and the spread of infections caused by resistant pathogens.