Question 7. Would any of the following risk factors make
you start empirical therapy against MRSA for a patient with
suspected bacteraemia presenting as an emergency?
Background. Delay in the administration of adequate antimicrobial
treatment to critically ill patients with MRSA bloodstream
infections increases the risk of mortality associated
with these infections [25]. Thus, it is important for clinicians
working in hospitals and emergency departments to realize
the importance of instituting appropriate therapy early when
there is a significant likelihood of MRSA infection. This realization
depends upon knowing the local epidemiology of, and
risk factors for, MRSA infection.
Responses. In general, the faculty members were more
likely than the ECCMID delegates to start empirical therapy
against MRSA infection if key risk factors for MRSA
infection were present (Table 3). However, the majority
of both groups agreed that they would start empirical
therapy active against MRSA for an ill patient with suspected
bacteraemia who had previously been colonized
with MRSA. A minority of the faculty members (15%) and
ECCMID delegates (31%) stated that they would not start
empirical therapy against MRSA until cultures were positive
for MRSA.
Conclusions. The main risk factor for MRSA infection is
prior colonization. Empirical treatment covering MRSA
should be strongly considered in bacteraemic patients known
to be colonized with MRSA. Screening for MRSA and decolonization
should be performed in regular attenders of healthcare
facilities. Other risk factors may be important in certain
locations. Therefore, a decision on commencing empirical
treatment to cover MRSA in a patient with suspected bacteraemia
with any of the other listed risk factors must be based
on local epidemiology.
Oral antibacterial therapy
Question 8. Are oral antibiotics ever justified for the initial
treatment of proven MRSA infection in the following? (Check
all that apply.) (Fig. 4.)
Background. It is a common belief that systemic infections
should be treated with parenteral antibiotics. However, it
has been established that some severe infections can be treated
at home with oral antibiotics just as effectively as with
parenteral therapy in hospitals [26–28]. Oral therapy offers
the advantage of increased comfort for the patient and saved
resources for the healthcare system through reduced frequency
of admission to hospital. Staphylococcal infections
are generally considered to be serious, with the potential to
cause metastatic infections with a high mortality rate. Oral
agents should have good bioavailability. High doses of antimicrobials
used orally may be necessary to ensure adequate
concentrations of the drug at the infection site. In addition,
patients need to absorb the drug, and oral therapy should
not be used in patients who are vomiting or who have
severe diarrhoea. There is a need to further define the role
of oral therapy in staphylococcal infections, especially those
caused by MRSA.
Responses. The majority of faculty members (92%) and
ECCMID delegates (86%) agreed that oral antibiotics can be
used for the treatment of uncomplicated, non-serious SSTIs
due to proven MRSA (Fig. 4). Faculty members were more
likely than ECCMID delegates to also consider use of oral
antibiotics for the treatment of proven MRSA in complicated
SSTIs and bone and joint infections. A significant proportion
(25%) of the faculty members and ECCMID delegates would
consider use of oral agents for the treatment of pneumonia,
whereas only 10% would consider oral agents for treatment
of MRSA bacteraemia.
Conclusions. Oral treatments with antibiotics that have
good bioavailability are appropriate for many MRSA infections,
especially SSTIs and bone and joint infections. Such
drugs could also be considered in bloodstream infections and
pneumonia when the clinical condition is stabilizing.