Costs of treating infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococciand vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancom ycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) increases the risk of mortality and results in prolonged hospitalization and high utilization of costly tre atment modalities. Measures to prevent the spread of MRSA (and possibly VRE F) include patient isolation and decontamination, hygiene measures, ward cl osure, and screening of patients and staff for carriage. In seriously ill p atients, the increased use of vancomycin for the treatment of MRSA can lead to the emergence of VREF colonization/infection. Quinupristin/dalfopristin is effective in the treatment of MRSA infections, including nosocomial pne umonia, skin and soft tissue infection, and septicaemia. In the treatment o f nosocomial pneumonia, clinical success rates were equivalent between quin upristin/dalfopristin and vancomycin. In the context of a hospital policy w hich emphasizes effective hygiene measures and the prudent use of antibacte rials, quinupristin/dalfopristin is an effective antimicrobial that can hel p to control the high costs associated with multiresistant MRSA and VREF in fections.