Daptomycin for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections of the spine.

BACKGROUND

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is increasingly common. Treatment with vancomycin-based therapy is often unsuccessful. Daptomycin is a relatively new lipopeptide antibiotic with potent activity against MRSA.

PURPOSE: To describe the successful management of MRSA infection involving the spine.

STUDY

DESIGN

Two case reports of MRSA infection, one involving epidural and lumbar subdural abscesses, the other with osteomyelitis and discitis.

METHODS

Two cases are described, one with lumbar epidural and subdural abscesses and the other with osteomyelitis and discitis of the spine. Switching from vancomycin to daptomycin plus rifampin-based therapy resulted in patient improvement that allowed discharge from the hospital.

RESULTS

Both patients recovered fully from their infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Daptomycin is a safe and effective option for the treatment of MRSA infection involving the spine.