Cefazolin for Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: Still Some Questions

In a large retrospective review, cefazolin therapy was associated with significantly lower 30- and 90-day mortality compared with antistaphylococcal penicillin treatment.

Nafcillin and oxacillin, known as antistaphylococcal penicillins (ASP), are the recommended choices for treating methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia. However, many clinicians prescribe cefazolin because it is associated with fewer adverse events and is easier to use. Prior small studies comparing ASP with cefazolin for MSSA bacteremia have had variable results but generally demonstrated equivalency between the two treatments.

To explore this comparison further, researchers performed a retrospective cohort study using data extracted from Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers between 2003 and 2010. The study included 3167 patients with MSSA bacteremia who received definitive therapy with either ASP or cefazolin.

Pati…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Cefazolin for Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: Still Some Questions

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Reviewing Author