Healthcare-associated infections, infection control and the potential of new antibiotics in development in the USA.

ABSTRACT  Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens are a significant burden on the US healthcare system. This problem has been further compounded by the recent decline in the development of new antibiotics targeting Gram-negative organisms. US healthcare agencies have been working to limit the occurrence of HAIs by several means, including surveillance systems, prevention practices, antimicrobial stewardship policies and financial incentives. Furthermore, efforts have been made to resume the development of antibiotics in the USA, with the US FDA and US government both implementing acts to boost the number of antibiotics in the clinical pipeline. This review discusses the policies instigated by the US government, including healthcare agencies and the FDA, and describes new antibiotics in development against HAIs.