The Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections Caused by ESBL-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE), and Other Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Infections with resistant organisms are a pressing public health concern worldwide. With decreasing antibiotic susceptibility to liberally used antimicrobials, healthcare professionals are commonly challenged with the management of complex infections due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and other multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. ESBL, VRE, and MDR bacteria are resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, thus complicating treatment of these infections, as they often require the use of antibiotics of last resort. Knowledge of epidemiology, risk factors, classification, and potential complicating factors is mandatory to provide state-of-the-art therapy to patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by ESBL, VRE, and MDR bacteria. This chapter aims to comprehensively discuss current antibacterial treatment options for uncomplicated and complicated UTI caused by multiresistant microorganisms and to provide an overview of currently available as well as upcoming therapeutic options.