Outcomes of Staphylococcal Bacteremia Similar with Algorithm vs. Usual Practice in Academic Medical Centers

Staphylococcal bacteremia is among the most common infectious problems encountered. Guidelines suggesting length of treatment for uncomplicated bacteremia are available (Clin Infect Dis 2011;52:e18 and Clin Infect Dis 2009; 49:1). However, the evidence base for these guidelines is limited. This study tested an algorithmic approach to the treatment of uncomplicated staphylococcal bacteremia.

Investigators at 16 academic medical centers randomized patients with suspected uncomplicated staphylococcal bacteremia to either usual care or an algorithm that defined antibiotic selection and duration of treatment. In the algorithm group, treatment was as follows:

• Those with uncomplicated S. aureus bacteremia received 14 days of antibiotics.

• Those with c…