The Modern Face of Infections in Critically Ill Patients

Currently the problem of infections due to resistant pathogens and fungal infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) environment is well known. In countries of Southern Europe (Greece and Italy, for instance) the increased incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) infections — especially due to Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) pathogens — creates serious public health problems, increasing the length of ICU stays, mortality and cost.

Addressing these trends, several studies have emphasized the individualization of antibiotics therapy during the last decade. This theory is based on the recognition that the doses of administered antibiotics in the ICU frequently do not attain the targeted levels because of a) the increased volume of distribution, clearance and hypoalbuminemia often observed in septic critically ill patients, and b) the hospitalization of specific populations in the ICU, such as obese, elderly and burned patients. We would like to take into account all these circumstances and the education of intensivists — in this case with the production of this article collection on the adequate and appropriate usage of antibiotics.

Our goal with this Topic is to prepare a useful and greatly important tool for the community of investigators working in ICU settings. This Research Topic welcomes Review and Mini Review articles only.