Completing Therapy for Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia with Oral Linezolid

In a retrospective study of patients at low risk for complications from S. aureus bacteremia, switching to oral linezolid was associated with shorter hospitalization but no increase in relapses or mortality.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with a high incidence of complications, including endocarditis and metastatic foci of infection. These risks have led to use of intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy for the entire course of treatment. However, if patients at low risk for complications could safely switch to oral therapy, hospitalization time and use of intravenous catheters could be reduced.

In this retrospective study, investigators examined whether oral linezolid could be used to complete the antibiotic course in patients at low risk for complications, including those who were clinically stable, had appropriate source control, and had negative follow-up blood cultures after initiation of IV therapy. The attending physicia…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

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)

Completing Therapy for Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia with Oral Linezolid

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Reviewing Author