Carbapenems are last-line beta-lactamic antibiotics used for the treatment of critically ill patients with confirmed or suspected infections involving multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria [1]. These drugs retain a potent activity against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales, and are regarded as the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of serious infections caused by these organisms [1,2]. In recent decades, along with the rising incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria, an increase in carbapenem consumption has been registered worldwide, both in high and medium-low income countries [2–5].
