Daptomycin for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections of the spine

BackgroundMethicillin-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.PurposeTo describe the successful management of MRSA infection involving the spine.Study designTwo case reports of MRSA infection, one involving epidural and lumbar subdural abscesses, the other with osteomyelitis and discitis.MethodsTwo 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.ResultsBoth patients recovered fully from their infection.ConclusionsDaptomycin is a safe and effective option for the treatment of MRSA infection involving the spine.