Antibiotic-Resistant and Multidrug-Resistant Infections — Gold Coast
Some infections do not respond to standard antibiotics because the organism has developed resistance. These infections need careful selection of therapy, often using agents that are less familiar, less well tolerated, or restricted in availability. Our physicians have specific clinical expertise and research experience in antimicrobial resistance.
Organisms we commonly manage
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)
- Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing organisms
- Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas
- Multidrug-resistant organisms acquired overseas or during prior hospitalisation
- Non-tuberculous mycobacteria
- Infections in patients with multiple documented antibiotic allergies
How we approach resistant infection
Treatment starts with confirming the organism and its full susceptibility profile, which sometimes requires extended laboratory testing beyond a routine panel. We then weigh the effectiveness of the available agents against their side effects, monitoring requirements and route of administration.
Where a patient has a recorded antibiotic allergy that is limiting their options, formal assessment of that allergy can materially widen the range of safe and effective treatments.
Research and expertise
Dr Burcu Isler completed her PhD in antimicrobial resistance at The University of Queensland, holds a Queensland Health Research Fellowship for work on bloodstream infections, and sits on the executive committee of the ESCMID Study Group for Bloodstream Infections, Endocarditis and Sepsis.
Dr Peter Simos is Principal Investigator on Australasian multicentre platform trials investigating Staphylococcus aureus infection and early oral step-down therapy for Gram-negative bacteraemia.
Referrals
A current referral addressed to our rooms, or to one of our specialists by name, is required before an appointment can be arranged.
Gold Coast Infection Specialists Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast Specialist Suites Ground Floor, 14 Hill Street, Southport QLD 4215 Phone: 07 5530 0770