Have the new beta-lactams rendered the aminoglycosides obsolete for the treatment of serious nosocomial infections?

Hospital-acquired infections are often due to multi-resistant gram-negative bacilli. When treating these infections, the physician must use potent antibiotics that have broad spectrums of activity. Aminoglycosidic aminocyclitols and the newer beta-lactam antibiotics are particularly valuable in the management of hospital-acquired infections. This article discusses the role of both classes of antibiotics in this setting.