Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for treatment of severe Staphylococcus aureus infections.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) as an alternative to vancomycin for the treatment of severe Staphylococcus aureus infections.


METHODS
Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-February 2003) and EMBASE (1980-February 2003). Key search terms included trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combination and Staphylococcus aureus.


RESULTS
An evaluation of case reports, case series, and clinical studies focusing on the use of TMP/SMX for treatment of severe S. aureus infections was conducted. The majority of the reports indicate that TMP/SMX may be effective for the treatment of infections due to low bacterial burdens of susceptible strains of S. aureus.


CONCLUSIONS
In select infections, TMP/SMX may be a useful alternative to vancomycin for treatment of severe S. aureus infections. Additional randomized studies should be conducted comparing this agent with vancomycin and linezolid.
Adra
May
M
Department of Pharmacy, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111-1533, USA. madra@tufts-nemc.org
Lawrence
Kenneth R
KR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D014640:Vancomycin; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination