The emergence and spread of multidrug resistance in many pathogenic bacterial species is increasing at an alarming rate, especially with hospital-acquired infections in the critical care setting. Deaths associated with hospital-acquired infections have exceeded the number attributable to several of the top 10 leading causes of death reported in the United States. The emerging resistance limits the use of older antibiotics. Tigecycline is a new agent, and this article explores its role in the treatment of adults in the critical care setting.
