Report of linezolid-resistant S aureus
The first report of resistance to linezolid (Zyvox)
in Staphylococcus aureus has been published in a research letter
to The Lancet (2001;358:207). American researchers describe a methicillin-resistant
S aureus (MRSA) isolate resistant to linezolid that was recovered
from a patient treated for dialysis-associated peritonitis.
Dr David Livermore, director of the antimicrobial
resistance monitoring and reference laboratory, Public Health Laboratory
Service, London, said at a press briefing organised by Pharmacia, the
manufacturer of Zyvox: “Previously, we have known that staphylococci
resistant to linezolid can be selected in the laboratory only with difficulty.
The fact that it has now been seen in a patient is disappointing.”
He added that the risk of staphylococci developing resistance to linezolid
was low but said that hospitals should be alert to it.
Professor Gary French of St Thomas’ Hospital,
London, advised that linezolid should preferably not be used in situations
where resistance was likely to occur, for example, in the treatment of
long-term infections and infections associated with indwelling devices.
“This report underlines the fact that we have to be careful, but
does not mean that use of the drug should be abandoned.”
Dr Robert Moellering of Massachusetts General Hospital,
one of the authors of the research letter, said: “Despite this single
report of resistant S aureus, linezolid remains an important part
of the physician’s armamentarium for the treatment of infections,
including those due to resistant bacteria.”
|
