Identification of Clinical Markers That Predict the Outcomes of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections and Identification of Synergistic Antibiotic Combinations for the Treatment of These Infections

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is a prominent nosocomial infection. Vancomycin is the mainstay of treatment, but it has a high rate of failure. Combination therapies can be used, but synergy is often not tested in clinical laboratories. Physicians are at a disadvantage because they cannot predict MRSA outcomes. The first aim of the study was to identify clinical and demographic markers that could predict infection recurrence or prolonged bacteremia. This was accomplished using retrospective chart review and statistical analysis. The second aim of the study was to identify which combinations, of those commonly used for MRSA treatment at Loyola, demonstrate the most synergy. This was accomplished using time-kill curves to test vancomycin in combination with gentamicin, rifampin, and cefazolin. The study showed that age, treatment, source of infection and long-term intravenous access may increase the risk for negative outcomes. In addition, no synergy was seen with any of the combinations