Active surveillance for carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) using stool cultures as a method to decrease CRE infections in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

Background: The incidence of Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections is increasing worldwide. Due to dearth of alternative antibiotics, prevention of infection transmission is a part of CRE infection management strategy. Early detection of CRE by active surveillance coupled with contact isolation is much more appropriate compared to contact isolation upon receipt of routine cultures dictated by the patient's clinical condition.

Safety and Feasibility of Antibiotic De-escalation in Critically Ill Children With Sepsis - A Prospective Analytical Study From a Pediatric ICU.

De-escalation is the key to balance judicious antibiotic usage for life-threatening infections and reducing the emergence of antibiotic resistance caused by antibiotic overuse. Robust evidence is lacking regarding the safety of antibiotic de-escalation in culture negative sepsis. Children admitted to the PICU during the first 6 months of 2019 with suspected infection were included.