Possible Survival Benefit of Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid in S. aureus Bloodstream Infection

Mortality from Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (BSI) is high despite use of appropriate antibiotics and removal of infectious foci. Previous studies suggested a possible antistaphylococcal effect of low-dose (<300 mg/day) acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), coupled with adequate antibiotic therapy. Now, researchers in Switzerland have identified 689 patients treated for a first S. aureus BSI episode at their institution from 2001 through 2013, including 157 who were taking low-dose ASA at BSI onset. In a propensity-matched analysis, they compared the 157 ASA users with another 157 patients from the same S. aureus BSI cohort who were not taking ASA (controls).

Although ASA users were significantly more likely than nonusers to be on statin…