Related Experiment Videos
[Staphylococcus aureus infections--the clinical picture and treatment]
Bente Gahrn-Hansen1, Frank Espersen, Niels Frimodt-Møller
1Klinisk mikrobiologisk afdeling, Odense Universitetshospital, DK-5000 Odense C.
Abstract:
Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus comprise relatively benign local skin infections, as well as serious generalised conditions. In Denmark, more than 85% of all S. aureus isolates are found resistant to penicillin, whereas resistance to methicillin is rare (< 1%) and therefore one of the penicillinase-stable penicillins is still the drug of choice. Dicloxacillin is usually chosen, because of its superior penicillinase stability. Infections caused by methicillin resistant strains may be treated with different combinations of macrolides, fusidic acid, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and rifampicin, but vancomycin is generally used. Newer drugs like the oxazolidinones and streptogramins are effective against methicillin-resistant strains and will be available in Denmark within a short time. Antibiotic treatment, however, is most often only a supplement to surgical intervention. This paper deals with the clinical picture and treatment of some common S. aureus infections.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus infections range from mild skin issues to severe systemic conditions. In Denmark, penicillin resistance is high, making dicloxacillin the preferred treatment for most S. aureus infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen causing diverse infections.
- High penicillin resistance (>85%) in Denmark necessitates alternative antibiotic strategies.
- Methicillin resistance in S. aureus remains rare (<1%) in Denmark.
Purpose:
- To review the clinical presentation and treatment of common Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- To highlight current antibiotic choices and emerging therapies for S. aureus.
- To emphasize the role of antibiotic therapy as an adjunct to surgical intervention.
Summary:
- Penicillinase-stable penicillins, like dicloxacillin, are first-line treatments due to high penicillin resistance.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are treated with combinations of macrolides, fusidic acid, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, rifampicin, or vancomycin.
- Newer agents such as oxazolidinones and streptogramins show promise for MRSA treatment.
Impact:
- Informs clinical practice regarding appropriate antibiotic selection for S. aureus infections in Denmark.
- Provides an overview of treatment options for both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
- Underscores the importance of considering local resistance patterns in antimicrobial therapy.