ANTIBIOTIC-THERAPY OF INFECTIONS DUE TO M ETHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS (MRSA)

The antimicrobial therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococccus au reus infections is becoming more and more complex because of multiresi stances linked to MRSA strains. Glycopeptides, and particularly vancom ycin, remain the keystone of therapy in the acute phase of severe infe ctions. The choice between monotherapy double or triple combination, o r alternative therapy without glycopeptide, depends on the site and se verity of infection, in addition to the susceptibility of the strain. Numerous uncertainties persist concerning the usefulness of the variou s possible combinations, and the experimental infection models probabl y are of invaluable help to clarify this field. The main characteristi cs of antistaphylococcal drugs, their advantages and drawbacks are rev iewed, as well as the choice and duration of therapy according to the site and severity of infection. Although not the object of this review , surgery, combined with antibiotic therapy, remains fundamental for t he cure of MRSA infections.