What is the first-line treatment for hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas?

The first-line treatment for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is Piperacillin/tazobactam. Pseudomonas is known for its resistance to many common antibiotics, making infections challenging to treat. Piperacillin/tazobactam, a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic, is specifically chosen for its efficacy against Pseudomonas. It works by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is crucial for the growth and replication of the bacteria.

In the context of hospital-acquired pneumonia, the choice of antibiotic must also consider local resistance patterns and the severity of the infection. Piperacillin/tazobactam has good coverage for Gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas, and is commonly used in a hospital setting.

Other options such as clindamycin are generally effective against anaerobic bacteria and some Gram-positive organisms but do not target Pseudomonas. Azithromycin primarily covers atypical pathogens and is not reliable against Pseudomonas. Ceftriaxone is effective against many Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria but has limited efficacy against Pseudomonas compared to Piperacillin/tazobactam. Thus, Piperacillin/tazob