2008 Volume 34 Issue 4 Pages 341-346
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections have developed into a major social issue and while the media have become quieter in reporting on it,MRSA remains a significant nosocomial pathogen for the healthcare system.In the treatment of MRSA infections it is crucial to prevent the development of bacterial strains with increased drug resistance,such as VRE and VRSA.
We report on a patient who had surgery for Fournier's gangrene due to MRSA infection.The affected area had been difficult to treat,blood flow was low as a result of necrosis,and bacteria had caused pustules to develop.The attending pharmacist selected antibiotics and drew up an administration plan in which they were administered based on substantiated evidence available from the Physicians' Desk Reference and up-to-date clinical information.The outcome of treatment was satisfactory,the patient experienced no adverse events and no increased drug resistance was observed.We therefore conclude that it is important for pharmacists to be involved in the treatment of MRSA infections in consideration of several factors including the pharmacological characteristics of various antibiotics,the patient's disease and general condition,transferability to tissues,and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
