Final answer:
Although carbapenems are broad-spectrum antibiotics that can be effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resistance to carbapenems is increasing in these bacteria, making susceptibility testing essential to determine effective treatment options.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the effectiveness of the antibiotic class carbapenem against infections caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Carbapenem antibiotics are a group of beta-lactam antibiotics which are generally considered broad-spectrum and are effective against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including some strains of Pseudomonas. However, the emergence of carbapenem-resistance in bacteria like P. aeruginosa is increasingly being reported. Resistance mechanisms include the production of carbapenemase enzymes, changes in the bacterial cell wall porins, and efflux pumps that remove antibiotics from bacterial cells.
When a Pseudomonas infection is suspected or diagnosed, laboratory tests are critical for determining antibiotic susceptibility. These tests check for the production of enzymes like carbapenemases, which can render carbapenem ineffective. Although some Pseudomonas strains may be sensitive to carbapenems, the resistance factors in bacteria are a significant component of treatment consideration.
The growing occurrence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and the presence of resistance in other gram-negative bacteria, like P. aeruginosa, are causes for healthcare concern. When faced with a resistant Pseudomonas infection, alternative treatment options may include medications like polymyxin B and gentamicin.