Ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli complicated by ciprofloxacin-associated rhabdomyolysis

We report the emergence of OXA-48 carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli in Austria causing ventilator-associated pneumonia in a traveler returning from Egypt. Depending on resistance testing, quinolones may remain a therapeutic option for infections caused by these multiple resistant pathogens, as this class of drugs has a favorable safety and tolerability profile when compared to the alternatives. In this patient, however, the clinical course was dramatically complicated by the development of ciprofloxacin-associated rhabdomyolysis.