Bacteriological relevance of linezolid vs. vancomycin in postoperative empirical treatment of osteoarticular infections: a retrospective single-center study

Staphylococci are the most frequent bacteria recovered and involved in osteoarticular infections (OAI) [1]. In the immediate postoperative period, before accurate and definitive bacteriological identification, the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin is widely used as a first-line empirical antibiotic treatment, usually in combination with piperacillin-tazobactam or a third-generation cephalosporin, to be active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria [2]. However, vancomycin use has several limitations, including venous toxicity requiring a central line, and a narrow therapeutic index necessitating close monitoring of serum concentrations and renal function; therefore, despite a low price, its use proves to be expensive because of nursing time, pharmacological dosages, central-line care and an extended length of hospital stay [3].
Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research