Lay summary
Beta-lactam antibiotics are the type of antibiotics most commonly used to treat severe infection. Studies have shown that blood and tissue levels of these antibiotics above the level required to kill bacteria are produced for longer periods when the antibiotics are given by continuous intravenous infusion, rather than by using traditional intermittent doses. Although animal and laboratory studies show improved effectiveness using a continuous infusion, this has not been adequately tested in patients with severe infection. This study of 400 patients in intensive care in Australia and New Zealand will determine if equal doses of antibiotics given by continuous infusion vs intermittent antibiotics for severe infection can reduce the duration of intensive care support.