Vancomycin vs TMP/SMX for MRSA – Not the Final Word

Vancomycin got a bad reputation since the early 90ies when it became clear that it was slow to provide clinical improvement and microbiologic cure in MRSA patients.  It was associated with prolonged bacteremia even when combined with rifampin [1].  And for MSSA, anti-staph penicillins like nafcillin were always the better choice. Then, Continue reading Vancomycin vs TMP/SMX for MRSA – Not the Final Word

Why Did PK/PD Modeling Fail Doripenem in VAP?

When imipenem is dosed at 1 g q8h for serious infections, it is infused over 40-60 min. Its label states that it is indicated for “lower RTI”, an old-fashioned term from the days when bronchitis and pneumonias were still lumped together, CAP was not differentiated from HAP, and HAP and Continue reading Why Did PK/PD Modeling Fail Doripenem in VAP?

The Rapid Rise of Sulfonamide Diversity

Shortly after Domagk and Hörlein announced their discovery of the antibacterial properties of the dye sulfamidochrysoidine (Prontosil) in 1935, numerous chemical companies set out to modify the chemical structure.  They soon recognized the sulfa component as the true antibacterial and produced an incredible number of derivatives (more than 5000 different compounds!!) by 1945.[1, Continue reading The Rapid Rise of Sulfonamide Diversity