Cefepime use in a pediatric intensive care unit reduces colonization with resistant bacilli.

Background: Cefepime has activity against many hospital-acquired Gram-negative pathogens resistant to earlier beta-lactam antibiotics. This study was designed to test whether preferential use of cefepime in a pediatric intensive care unit could reduce enteric colonization with antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative rods.

Methods: After a 6-month period of uncontrolled antibiotic use, cefepime was preferentially used during 2 years as treatment for nosocomial or serious community-acquired infection.