Breaking Through Resistance: A Comparative Review of New Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors (Avibactam, Vaborbactam, Relebactam) Against Multidrug-Resistant Superbugs
Ilias Karaiskos, Irene Galani, George L. Daikos, Helen Giamarellou
Abstract
The introduction of new β-lactam–β-lactamase inhibitors (BLBLIs), such as ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, and imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam, expands our therapeutic options against carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including those pathogens for which therapeutic options are limited. These new combinations are active against ESBL-, AmpC-, and KPC-producing Enterobacterales, with the exception of ceftazidime/avibactam, which is active in vitro against OXA-48. However, one drawback that must be taken seriously by the clinician is that they are ineffective against metallo-β-lactamases as well as Acinetobacter baumannii. The recent introduction of aztreonam/avibactam marks a significant advancement in our therapeutic armamentarium against metallo-β-lactamase-producing pathogens. The question to be answered is whether there is a preferred, newer BLBLI combination for the treatment of KPC-producing Enterobacterales infections. This review provides a thorough analysis of the similarities and differences between these new combinations to identify the most effective treatment options. The present review aims to provide clinicians with a detailed understanding of each BLBLI treatment option to guide the optimal use of these new agents for the effective treatment of difficult infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales infections. This review is based on literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library.