Ceftaroline as salvage therapy for complicated MRSA bacteremia: case series and analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infection (BSI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Ceftaroline fosamil (CPT) is the only available beta-lactam antibiotic with in vitro and in vivo activities against MRSA. There is currently limited clinical experience with CPT in complicated MRSA BSI. Materials and Methods: We report a series of eight patients, including three whose strains had reduced susceptibility to vancomycin. Results: CPT monotherapy was successfully used as salvage therapy for complicated MRSA BSI. The median time to documented clearance was 7 days. Conclusion: Ceftaroline monotherapy is effective for clearance of refractory MRSA BSI related to implanted devices, endocarditis, and orthopedic infections.