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Daptomycin for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections of the spine
1Department of Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45409, USA. steve.burdette@wright.edu
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is increasingly common. Treatment with vancomycin-based therapy is often unsuccessful. Daptomycin is a relatively new lipopeptide antibiotic with potent activity against MRSA.
Purpose:
To describe the successful management of MRSA infection involving the spine.
Study Design:
Two case reports of MRSA infection, one involving epidural and lumbar subdural abscesses, the other with osteomyelitis and discitis.
Methods:
Two cases are described, one with lumbar epidural and subdural abscesses and the other with osteomyelitis and discitis of the spine. Switching from vancomycin to daptomycin plus rifampin-based therapy resulted in patient improvement that allowed discharge from the hospital.
Results:
Both patients recovered fully from their infection.
Conclusions:
Daptomycin is a safe and effective option for the treatment of MRSA infection involving the spine.
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