The Impact of Linezolid versus Vancomycin on Surgical Interventions for Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Surgical Infection Society 2020 Updated Guidelines on the Management of Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Background: The Surgical Infection Society (SIS) Guidelines for the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) were published in October 2009 in Surgical Infections. The purpose of this project was to provide a succinct update on the earlier guidelines based on an additional decade of data. Methods: We reviewed the previous guidelines eliminating bite wounds and diabetic foot infections including their associated references. Relevant articles on the topic of complicated SSTIs from 2008-2020 were reviewed and graded individually. Comparisons were then made between the old and the new graded recommendations with review of the older references by two authors when there was disparity between the grades. Results: The majority of new studies addressed antimicrobial options and duration of therapy particularly in complicated abscesses. There were fewer updated studies on diagnosis and specific operative interventions. Many of the topics addressed in the original guidelines had no new literature to evaluate. Conclusions: Most recommendations remain unchanged from the original guidelines with the exception of increased support for adjuvant antimicrobial therapy after drainage of complex abscess and increased data for the use of alternative antimicrobial agents.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in solid organ transplantation-Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice

These updated guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice review the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and management of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in solid organ transplantation. Despite an increasing armamentarium of antimicrobials active against MRSA, improved diagnostic tools, and overall declining rates of infection, MRSA infections remain a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Pre- and post-transplant MRSA colonization is a significant risk factor for post-transplant MRSA infection. The preferred initial treatment of MRSA bacteremia remains vancomycin. Hand hygiene, chlorhexidine bathing in the ICU, central-line bundles that focus on reducing unnecessary catheter use, disinfection of patient equipment, and the environment along with antimicrobial stewardship are all aspects of an infection prevention approach to prevent MRSA transmission and decrease healthcare-associated infections.

[In vitro activity of ceftaroline against Spanish isolates of Staphylococcus aureus: a multicenter study]

INTRODUCTION

Ceftaroline fosamil is a new-generation antimicrobial agent of cephalosporins subgroup. It is the first commercially available beta-lactam antibiotic that exhibits activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The aim of this study is to determine the in vitro Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values of ceftaroline against S.aureus strains (including MRSA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A multicenter study involving four hospitals representative of the Spanish geography was performed. MIC and MBC values against both the methicillin-resistant and sensitive strains of S.aureus (MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S.aureus [MSSA]) were determined using a broth microdilution method.

RESULTS

A total of 266 S.aureus strains were analyzed (95 MRSA and 171 MSSA). Ceftaroline bacterial sensitivity showed a mean MIC of 0.227 μg/ml (SD=0.146; range, 0.06 to 1 μg/ml). All MIC values of the 266 strains tested belonged to the sensitive category (value ≤ 1 μg/ml). Intermediate or resistant strains were not detected. MIC50 and MIC90 values for MRSA were 0.25 and 0.5 μg/ml, respectively (range=0.125-1 μg/ml). MSSA strains showed MIC50 and MIC90 values of 0.125 and 0.25 μg/ml, respectively (range=0.125-0.5 μg/ml). MBC50 and MBC90 values for MRSA were 0.5 and 1 μg/ml, respectively (range=0.125-1 μg/ml). MSSA strains showed MBC50 and MBC90 values of 0.25 and 0.25 μg/ml, respectively (range=0.125-0.5 μg/ml).

CONCLUSION

Ceftaroline shows excellent in vitro activity against S.aureus, including MRSA strains. Therefore, this antibiotic may be a promising alternative for the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium.