Optimal Duration of Therapy for Catheter-Related Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Study of 55 Cases and Review

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the optimal duration of therapy for catheter-related Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia has become the subject of controversy. A review of the literature revealed an occasional association between relapse of the infection and a short course of therapy (3 days after catheter removal (P = .02). The remaining 46 patients were followed up for at least 3 months. During follow-up, three of the 18 patients treated for 3 days after catheter removal and initiation of antibiotic therapy suggests an acutely complicated course requiring prolonged treatment. The duration of iv antibiotic therapy in uncomplicated cases should not be 2 weeks.