Antimicrobial stewardship principles in the evaluation of empirical carbapenem antibiotics in a private hospital in South Africa.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance, and specifically carbapenem resistance, have developed into a major challenge globally. Because carbapenems are used increasingly as empirical treatment in the presence of rising ESBL infection, the aim of this study was to determine rational prescribing patterns for empirical use of carbapenems. Clinical guidelines are essential in ensuring responsible use in the local context and are one of the most important elements of antibiotic stewardship programmes.