ABSTRACT
Meropenem is a broad-spectrum parenteral carbapenem with antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including anaerobes. As a consequence of emerging multidrug resistance, especially in Gram-negative organisms, the clinical reliance on meropenem and other carbapenems increased after their introduction, especially in the intensive care unit setting. However, in recent years, resistance to carbapenems has emerged in Enterobacteriaceae and other Gram-negative bacilli. Of particular concern has been the acquisition of carbapenemase genes in major pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with subsequent rapid dissemination across the world (Nordmann et al., 2011). This has provided a major challenge to our reliance on this useful antibiotic class for treating resistant Gram-negative organisms.
