title: Teicoplanin in gram-positive infection: microbiological aspects.
abstract: The widespread use of indwelling catheters and successful antibiotic treatment of Gram-negative infections has led to an increase of Gram-positive infections in severely neutropenic patients; Staphylococcus epidermidis is predominant in these infections. The problems associated with the use of vancomycin in treating such infections can be overcome by the glycopeptide antibiotic teicoplanin. It is as effective as vancomycin, but does not cause "red man" syndrome, is uncommonly nephrotoxic, can be given as a rapid bolus once daily, and routine serum monitoring is not required. Other approaches to reducing catheter-related infections include improved training of personnel in catheter insertion and the development of new materials and methods in cannula production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bacteriology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Spencer
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D017334:Teicoplanin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D017334:Teicoplanin; D014640:Vancomycin