New study shows how hospitals are battling MRSA

Vancomycin and Zyvox (linezolid, Pfizer) are the two antibiotics that physicians use most frequently to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The former agent is the treatment of choice for almost 80% of physicians, but the latter is growing in popularity. These are some findings from a new survey by GfK Market Measures of 276 hospital-based physicians. The East Hanover, N.J., market research firm also found that physicians wish there were wider treatment options available to fight MRSA. At present, many physicians have been using cephalosporins and quinolones. However, the recent black box warning about tendon rupture added to quinolones could result in the growth of Zosyn (piperacillin/ tazobactam, Wyeth), provided it maintains a favorable position on hospital formularies, said the study authors. The study also found that almost one in five hospitalized patients treated with an injectable antibiotic is suspected of having a MRSA infection. Although adults show the greatest prevalence of MRSA cases, emergency room physicians are seeing a notable proportion of MRSA in college-age patients.

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