Principles of directed antimicrobial therapy

Directed antimicrobial therapy is used to treat an established infection when the pathogen has been identified, and an antimicrobial with activity against the pathogen can be selected. In these guidelines, directed therapy is included for specific conditions (eg pneumonia, bone and joint infections).

Preliminary microbiology results (eg Gram stain) may allow targeting of antimicrobial therapy before definitive results are available; modify ongoing therapy once the pathogen and susceptibility are known.