[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.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 5, 2002
PubMed

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.

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