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Clindamycin for colonization and infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
1Microbiology Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, East Orange, New Jersey 07019.
Abstract:
Effective antimicrobial therapy for infection or colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is very limited. In some institutions, the majority of strains remain susceptible to clindamycin in vitro. We report five patients with colonization or infection of varying severity caused by MRSA who had the organism successfully eradicated by clindamycin. In one patient who had an MRSA infection that persisted during vancomycin therapy clindamycin therapy was able to finally eradicate the organism. Clindamycin should be seriously considered as alternative therapy for colonization or infection by MRSA.
Insights
Effective treatment options for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are limited. Clindamycin successfully eradicated MRSA in five patients, including one with a persistent infection during vancomycin therapy, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Limited effective antimicrobial therapies exist for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and colonization.
- In vitro studies indicate that many MRSA strains remain susceptible to clindamycin.
Observation:
- This study reports on five patients with varying severity of MRSA colonization or infection.
- One patient experienced a persistent MRSA infection despite vancomycin treatment.
Findings:
- Clindamycin therapy successfully eradicated MRSA in all five reported patients.
- Clindamycin was effective in clearing the persistent MRSA infection in the patient previously treated with vancomycin.
Implications:
- Clindamycin demonstrates potential as an effective alternative antimicrobial agent for MRSA.
- Further consideration of clindamycin is warranted for managing MRSA colonization and infection.