TABLE FOR THE DOSING OF ANTIBIOTICS IN ADULTS (INTEGRATING THE NEW EUCAST GUIDELINES)

Dear colleagues and friends,

Now that the major problems with SARS-CoV 2 and COVID-19 lay bhind us, the BVIKM-SBIMC once again has time to consider other important issues.

• As most of you know, EUCAST changed the interpretation of the results of the susceptibility testing of the examined pathogens. The former "I" interpretation ("intermediately susceptible") was replaced by a new one: "susceptible at increased exposure/high dosage".                                          In collaboration with the NAC (National Antibiogram Committee), the BVIKM-SBIMC has therefore drawn up a table adapting the posology of antibiotics available in Belgium to this new situation.

  Currently the table only provides  adult dosage regimens, however, paediatric dosage regimens  may be expected soon.                                           By clicking on the link above, you can consult this table.

• New IGGI documents (many thanks to all who participated in their realisation) are published discussing:
  • the most recently made available antibiotics in Belgium and in particular their place in the specialist's therapeutic arsenal (ceftazidime-avibactam, ceftolozane-tazobactam and meropenem-vaborbactam). Two antibiotics not (yet) available in Belgium (cefiderocol and daptomycin) are also discussed.
  • the updated treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers (Helicobacter pylori eradication.
  • the updated recommendations on the treatment of sexually transmitted infections will follow soon.

As you will notice, all these documents are written in English. This is a small preview of a brand new version of IGGI, which can be expected early 2024 (other updates will already be published this year). The aim is to make IGGI more userfriendly and to ensure that the full content is updated when the new version is launched. To this end, a steering committee has been set up and a number of working groups have been put in place and already have started reviewing the documents (urinary tract infections, betalactam allergy, osteo-articular infections and dose adaptation of anti-infective drugs in patients with renal impairment).

Meanwhile, the BVIKM-SBIMC is continuing its other activities, such as organisation of symposia, supporting efforts to obtain  professional recognition of infectiology and clinical microbiology (including the recognition of pharmacists/clinical biologists/microbiologists) and seeking government support or other forms of sponsorship to ensure the sustainability of these projects.

With best collegial regards,

Prof. dr. Maya HITES, president.