Successful Treatment of Ventriculitis Caused by MDR/XDR Gram-Negative Bacillus Using Ceftazidime/Avibactam: Case Series and Literature Review

Background Central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Gram-negative bacillus, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are associated with high mortality rates. Clinical trials of ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI) on infections of other systems indicate that they are effective against these infections. However, clinical studies on the efficacies of CAZ/AVI in the treatment of CNS infections have not been done. Case presentation We evaluated 3 patients diagnosed with MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacillus-associated CNS infections, and effectively treated with CAZ/AVI. Moreover, we performed literature reviews. Before the onset of CNS infections, the 3 patients were subjected to neurosurgical operations, treated with mechanical ventilation, long-term intensive care unit therapy, and various antibiotics. By intravenously administering CAZ/AVI, combined with another antibiotic, the MDR/XDR K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa associated ventriculitis was effectively treated in the 3 patients. Conclusion CAZ/AVI is a viable treatment option for CNS infections caused by MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacteria.