Agents for the Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Gram-positive Endocarditis.
Several newer agents with activity against multidrug- resistant gram-positive pathogens are available. These agents have in vitro and clinical data supporting their utility in the treatment of infections caused by pathogens such as methicillin-resistant staphylococci and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Daptomycin appears to be rapidly bactericidal, and linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin also are cidal against staphylococci. Although the agents have several properties that are attractive for use in endocarditis, clinical data are limited. Further investigation with each agent and combination therapy are warranted before definitive recommendations can be made.
Long
Jennifer K
JK
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Pharmacy, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. longj@ccf.org.