Gram Negative Bacteraemia

Important: Notes

Blood stream infections with Gram negative bacilli/rods are often associated with intra-abdominal or urinary tract infections, although other sources are possible (e.g.vascular access device, hospital-acquired pneumonia); the most commonly isolated organism is Escherichia coli.

The initial treatment should be with an intravenous antimicrobial.

Please note that almost 70% of E. coli isolated from blood cultures in NHS Ayrshire and Arran are resistant to Amoxicillin-this agent is only recommended for treatment if Amoxicillin susceptibility has been confirmed.

Gentamicin should be avoided in patients with decompensated liver disease (jaundice, ascites, encephalopathy, variceal bleeding or hepato-renal syndrome).