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No decrease in clindamycin susceptibility despite increased use of clindamycin for pediatric community-associated
Jillian M Szczesiul1, Kenneth M Shermock, Umbreen Idrees Murtaza
1Department of Pharmacy, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. jilliansz13@aol.com
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|August 28, 2007
Summary
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) skin infections remain highly susceptible to clindamycin, even with increased empiric use. This finding supports clindamycin as an effective treatment option for CA-MRSA.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Dermatology
Background:
- Previous studies indicated high susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to clindamycin.
- Beta-lactams were the primary empiric treatment for staphylococcal infections at the institution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine treatment patterns and antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococcal skin and soft tissue infections.
- To assess the ongoing effectiveness of clindamycin against community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of 296 S. aureus skin and soft tissue infections over a 2-year period.
- Analysis of infection types, causative agents, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
Main Results:
- 73% of S. aureus infections were MRSA, with 87% classified as community-associated (CA-MRSA).
- MRSA infections showed a seasonal peak during warmer months.
- Despite increased empiric clindamycin use, 97% of CA-MRSA isolates remained susceptible to clindamycin.
Conclusions:
- Community-associated MRSA skin infections demonstrate sustained high susceptibility to clindamycin.
- Clindamycin remains a viable and effective empiric treatment choice for CA-MRSA infections.
- Monitoring antimicrobial susceptibility is crucial for guiding effective treatment strategies.
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