Higher third-generation cephalosporin prescription proportion is associated with lower probability of reducing carbapenem use: a nationwide retrospective study.

Our study suggests that a decrease in 3GCs in the overall antibiotic use and the continuation of reduction in fluoroquinolone use, could allow reducing carbapenem use, given the well-demonstrated role of 3GCs and fluoroquinolones in the occurrence of ESBL-PE. Thus, antibiotic stewardship programs should target wards with higher 3GC prescription proportions to reduce them.