Use of third-generation cephalosporins. Staphylococci

A large percentage of S. aureus infections occur by autoinoculation of the organism associated with persistent nasal carriage. Thus, newer modalities to interrupt nasal carriage may be useful in decreasing hospital-acquired S. aureus infections. The combination of a first-or, in some cases, a third-generation cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside is highly effective empiric treatment of putative infections due to S. aureus. And, the third-generation cephalosporins appear to be effective alone against beta-lactam antibiotic-sensitive staphylococci. For example, ceftriaxone has excellent inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations against these organisms and because of its superior pharmacokinetic properties is an indicated option for long-term treatment of defined beta-lactam antibiotic-sensitive S. aureus infections.