In vitro and in vivo evidence discourages routine testing and reporting of piperacillin/tazobactam susceptibility of Elizabethkingia species.

The article discusses the routine testing and reporting of piperacillin/tazobactam susceptibility in Elizabethkingia species, which are increasingly prevalent pathogens in Asia. The study found that there is variability in the results of different susceptibility assays, leading to inconsistent reporting of susceptibility rates. In addition, the presence of a specific gene, blaB, in Elizabethkingia species was found to increase resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam and reduce its efficacy in vivo. The authors suggest that routine testing and reporting of piperacillin/tazobactam susceptibility in Elizabethkingia species may not be informative for treatment decisions. [Extracted from the article]