Ceftaroline for complicated skin and skin-structure infections.
BACKGROUND
A dramatic increase in infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been observed, in part as a result of the epidemic of community-associated MRSA skin and skin-structure infections (SSSIs). Simultaneously, decreasing sensitivities of S. aureus to vancomycin have been reported and invasive infections caused by these strains have been associated with worse clinical outcomes. Clearly, new agents active against MRSA are needed. Ceftaroline is a new cephalosporin active against MRSA and many Gram-negative bacteria, though it is not active against Pseudomonas spp. and extended spectrum beta-lactamase producers (ESBL).


METHODS
In this review we focus on the properties of ceftaroline such as in vitro activity, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, and its efficacy and safety observed in the clinical trials of patients with SSSI. Finally, we provide an overview of the possible future role of ceftaroline and other compounds in development for the treatment of SSSIs. The literature search was based on PubMed articles plus review of the abstracts presented in the most important international conferences in the field.


RESULTS
The reader will gain clear concepts to understand the value that ceftaroline might have in the treatment of SSSIs, including those caused by MRSA.


CONCLUSIONS
Ceftaroline has shown bactericidal activity against common pathogens associated with SSSIs including MRSA, noninferiority in clinical trials of patients with complicated SSSI (cSSSI), and a favorable safety profile.
Nannini
Esteban C
EC
National University of Rosario, School of Medicine, Rosario, Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina. enannini@cimero.org.ar
Stryjewski
Martin E
ME
Corey
G Ralph
GR
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D000097583:Ceftaroline
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D000097583:Ceftaroline