Modification and duration of therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections

Modify therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections when susceptibility results are available.

For patients who received initial combination therapy (eg an aminoglycoside plus a beta lactam), once susceptibility is known, switching to monotherapy is usually appropriate. However, aminoglycosides are not recommended as ongoing monotherapy if appropriate alternative drugs are available, because clinical outcomes may be inferior with aminoglycosides compared to an antipseudomonal beta lactam. Ongoing combination therapy may be used in patients with septic shock or infections with a high organism burden – seek expert advice.

For advice on the duration of therapy for P. aeruginosa bloodstream infections, refer to the recommendations for the source of infection; if the source of infection is not apparent, seek expert advice.

For duration of therapy for bacteraemia caused by P. aeruginosa pneumonia, see Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia.