Risk factors for piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant Escherichia coli in ICU patients: a clinical study.

Abstract

To determine risk factors of infections with piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant Escherichia coli in critical care patients. Prospective, consecutive sample survey study. Surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital. A consecutive series of 133 patients from whom culture results were positive for E. coli during their ICU stay. None. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following significant independent factors associated with the emergence of a piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant Escherichia coli: prior use of amoxicillin (odds ratio, 4.15) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (odds ratio, 3.25). Treatment with amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate is a major risk factor for the detection of piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant E. coli in ICU patients.