What's new in the treatment of serious MRSA infection?

Natasha Holmes, Benjamin Peter Howden

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleOther

43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Vancomycin has been the cornerstone of treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. This review describes new MRSA-active antibiotics that have recently been introduced and highlights emerging resistance. RECENT FINDINGS: Elevations in the vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration within the susceptible range are associated with treatment failure and mortality in the treatment of MRSA infections. Ceftaroline and ceftobiprole are anti-MRSA cephalosporins and are noninferior to comparator agents in the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) and pneumonia. Tedizolid is more potent than linezolid, has improved pharmacokinetics and reduced toxicity and is active against cfr-containing S. aureus. Telavancin now has approval for treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia, and recent phase 2 trial data showed similar cure rates in S. aureus bacteremia. Dalbavancin and oritavancin are administered once weekly and are noninferior to comparators for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Resistance has emerged against many new anti-MRSA antimicrobials including ceftaroline. Combination therapy of beta-lactams with vancomycin or daptomycin is increasing. SUMMARY: Several new MRSA-active agents are now approved for use, although much of the data is derived from treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections or pneumonia. Further studies are required for more invasive infections, such as bacteremia and endocarditis.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)471 - 478
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Opinion in Infectious Diseases
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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