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Published on: July 24, 2021
Pharmacotherapies for multidrug-resistant gram-positive infections: current options and beyond
Sebastiano Leone1, Ilaria Pezone2, Mariantonietta Pisaturo3
1Division of Infectious Diseases, "San Giuseppe Moscati" Hospital, Avellino, Italy.
Introduction:
Infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are a serious concern for public health with high morbidity and mortality. Though many antibiotics have been introduced to manage these infections, there are remaining concerns regarding the optimal management of Gram-positive MDROs.
Areas Covered:
A literature search on the PubMed/Medline database was conducted. We applied no language and time limits for the search strategy. In this narrative review, we discuss the current options for managing Gram-positive MDROs as well as non-traditional antibacterial agents in development.
Expert Opinion:
Despite their introduction more than 70 years ago, glycopeptides are still the cornerstone in treating Gram-positive infections: all registrative studies of new antibiotics have glycopeptides as control; these studies are designed as not inferior studies, therefore it is almost impossible to give recommendations other than the use of glycopeptides in the treatment of Gram-positive infections. The best evidence on treatments different from glycopeptides comes from post-hoc analysis and meta-analysis. Non-traditional antibacterial agents are being studied to aid in short and effective antibiotic therapies. The use of non-traditional antibacterial agents is not restricted to replacing traditional antibacterial agents with alternative therapies; instead, they should be used in combination with antibiotic therapies.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections pose a significant public health threat. This review examines current and developing treatments for Gram-positive MDROs, emphasizing combination therapies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) present a critical global health challenge, characterized by high rates of illness and death.
- Optimal treatment strategies for Gram-positive MDRO infections remain a significant concern despite the availability of numerous antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current therapeutic options for Gram-positive MDRO infections.
- To explore emerging non-traditional antibacterial agents and their potential role in treatment.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed on the PubMed/Medline database.
- No language or time restrictions were applied to the search.
- The review synthesizes findings on established and novel antibacterial approaches.
Main Results:
- Glycopeptides remain the primary treatment for Gram-positive infections, serving as the benchmark in new antibiotic trials.
- Evidence for non-glycopeptide treatments is primarily derived from post-hoc analyses and meta-analyses.
- Non-traditional antibacterial agents are under investigation to enhance short-term and effective antibiotic regimens.
Conclusions:
- Glycopeptides continue to be the cornerstone of Gram-positive MDRO infection management.
- Non-traditional antibacterial agents show promise, particularly when used adjunctively with existing antibiotic therapies.
- Further research into combination strategies is essential for combating resistant infections.
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