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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Ceftaroline for the treatment of osteomyelitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a case series
Karineh Lalikian1, Rita Parsiani1, Regina Won2
1a School of Pharmacy , Pacific University , Hillsboro , OR , USA.
Abstract:
Despite limited clinical data, ceftaroline is commonly used for treatment of complicated, invasive infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A retrospective chart review was conducted of adult patients receiving ceftaroline for MRSA osteomyelitis admitted between April 2011 and March 2016 at a five-hospital system. Twelve patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients received prior antimicrobial therapy with a median time to switch to ceftaroline of 45.5 days. Five of the 12 patients (41.7%) met criteria for ceftaroline failure. Patients with vertebral osteomyelitis (58%) had a longer length of stay, longer ceftaroline treatment, but similar success rates to those with non-vertebral osteomyelitis (57% vs. 60%). Ceftaroline is a viable alternative for a challenging patient population that has failed or are unable to receive other therapies.
Insights
Ceftaroline shows promise for treating difficult methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis, even after other treatments fail. This study found it to be a viable option for this challenging patient group.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Ceftaroline is frequently prescribed for invasive infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), despite limited clinical evidence.
- Osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection, often requires prolonged and complex treatment regimens.
Observation:
- A retrospective review examined 12 adult patients with MRSA osteomyelitis treated with ceftaroline.
- Patients had a median of 45.5 days of prior antimicrobial therapy before switching to ceftaroline.
- Vertebral osteomyelitis cases (58%) involved longer hospital stays and ceftaroline treatment durations.
Findings:
- Ceftaroline failure was observed in 41.7% of patients.
- Treatment success rates were similar for vertebral (57%) and non-vertebral (60%) osteomyelitis.
- Ceftaroline demonstrated potential as an alternative therapy for patients with refractory MRSA infections.
Implications:
- Ceftaroline offers a potential therapeutic option for patients with MRSA osteomyelitis who have failed or cannot tolerate other treatments.
- Further research is warranted to establish optimal treatment protocols and long-term outcomes.
- This study contributes to the understanding of ceftaroline's role in managing complex MRSA bone infections.
