In most cases, if you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic medication to treat and cure the infection. However, if you have an infection caused by a bacterium that has become resistant to antibiotics or other medications, it is much more difficult to treat.

These bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics due to misuse and overuse of these medications over the past several decades.

The following bacteria cause common multi-drug resistant infections:

• Acinetobacter baumannii
• E.coli
• Enterobacter species
• Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBLs) producing Gram-negative bacteria
• Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenemase (KPC) producing Gram-negatives
• Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Salmonella
• Streptococci
• Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE)

When antibiotic medications don’t work in fighting off the infection, the results can include:

• Long illnesses
• More complicated illnesses
• More deaths caused by bacterial infections
• More doctor visits – and associated costs
• The use of stronger and more expensive medications

Tests

Blood Tests
Your doctor may order a blood test to check for infection.

Urine Tests
Your doctor may order a urine test to check for infection.

Biopsy
In some cases, your doctor may remove a small sample of affected tissue (biopsy) for close examination for infection in the laboratory.

Why Choose UHealth?

Advanced, specialized care to fight infections.  From the latest diagnostic techniques to the newest evidence-based medicines, our infectious disease physicians offer specialized care for many infectious diseases including HIV, cytomegalovirus, fungal infections, mycobacterial infections, and more. We create personalized treatment plans based on the cause of your infection and your health to prevent and fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. You’ll have access to expert physicians, more treatment options, and supportive care that focuses on your needs.