Aztreonam Spectrum of Activity

A 45 year old is admitted to the with cough and a new infiltrate on chest X-ray She has a cephalosporin allergy and aztreonam is ordered Which possible pathogen does aztreonam NOT cover?

Answer:
A) H. influenzae
B) M. catarrhalis
C) S. pneumoniae
D) P. aeruginosa

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S. pneumoniae

Explanation: Aztreonam has NO gram-positive activity. It will NOT cover the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, S. pneumoniae.

To ensure appropriate coverage in this patient, a second agent with S. pneumoniae activity is needed. Aztreonam covers gram-negative bacteria including H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis & P. aeruginosa. It also has a role in combination therapy for certain carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections.

Aztreonam is GENERALLY safe in patients with penicillin or cephalosporin allergies with one important exception: Aztreonam should be AVOIDED if a patient previously reacted to ceftazidime as the 2 drugs have identical side chains.

Aztreonam Spectrum of Activity

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