Cefiderocol is a third generation cephalosporin effective against which of the following?

Cefiderocol is a novel cephalosporin that has a unique ability to penetrate bacterial cell walls and is particularly effective against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its mechanism of action involves utilizing iron-binding properties to enhance its uptake into bacterial cells, which is crucial for its effectiveness against such resistant strains.

In contrast, things like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are typically treated with other classes of antibiotics, like vancomycin or linezolid, as cephalosporins—including cefiderocol—do not possess efficacy against these Gram-positive organisms. Escherichia coli is a common pathogen, but it does not require the specific characteristics that cefiderocol offers for treatment, as many other antibiotics can effectively treat infections caused by E. coli. Clostridium difficile, a notable cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, is unrelated as it is a Gram-positive anaerobe and requires different treatment approaches that directly target its unique biology.

Thus, cefiderocol’s primary effectiveness against Pseudomonas makes it a useful option in treating severe infections caused by this notoriously difficult-to-treat pathogen.