CEFTAROLINE: A NEW CEPHALOSPORIN WITH ACTIVITY AGAINST METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)

Superbug infection is caused by multi resistant staphylococcus aureus and belongs to the family staphylococcaceae. A common cause of infection in hospitals and community, it is becoming virulent and resistant to antibiotics. Staphylococcus aureus, a known pathogen for nosocomial infections, has developed resistance towards methicillin and related drugs. There are very few options available like Vancomycin, Linezolid, Daptomycin etc. for the treatment of MRSA infections which are associated toxicity and high costs. However, none of the beta-lactam antibiotic was effective against MRSA. Once methicillin resistance is developed by the bacteria, it is considered as resistant to many other Beta lactams including Cephems and Beta lactamase inhibitor combinations. Recent introduction of ‘Ceftaroline fosamil’ a new broad-spectrum cephalosporin often described as a ‘Fifth Generation’ cephalosporin, has created a considerable amount of expectation as an alternative for infections due to MRSA. Ceftaroline is used for the treatment of community acquired pneumonia and acute skin and skin structure infection caused by susceptible organisms in adults >18 years of age. The safety of ceftaroline in paediatric population is not yet established. It is primarily eliminated by kidney and requires dose reduction in patients with renal impairment. It is approved by DCGI May 2016 for marketing in India. Key words: Ceftaroline, ‘Fifth Generation’ cephalosporin, MRSA, Community-acquired pneumonia, acute skin and skin structure infectio