In Japan,linezolid (LZD) was approved as a new agent for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in April 2006,and its proper use is strongly recommended for preventing the occurrence of MRSA.In this study,we evaluated the efficacy of LZD in patients with MRSA infection who had been admitted to our hospital from April 2006 to March 2007.LZD was administered to 32 patients (sepsis : 14 cases ; pneumonia : 11 cases ; wound infection : 7 cases) for 12.8± 8.4 days (mean±standard deviation).Improper use was noted in 4 patients.
LZD proved excellent as regards transfer from blood to lung tissue in patients with MRSA infection.Thrombocytopenia is a major known adverse reaction of LZD and was observed in 6 patients,but they recovered as soon as LZD was withdrawn.Criteria for the administration of LZD will be of great value in ensuring the proper use of LZD as an anti-MRSA agent as well as in hospital infection control measures against MRSA.
