From the Research
The treatment for Kocuria rhizophila infections typically involves antibiotics based on susceptibility testing, with vancomycin, linezolid, or rifampicin being effective first-line treatments, as supported by the most recent study 1. The choice of antibiotic should be guided by susceptibility testing, as resistance patterns can vary.
- For mild infections, amoxicillin-clavulanate (875/125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days) or ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily for 7-10 days) may be used.
- Severe infections might require intravenous vancomycin (15-20 mg/kg every 8-12 hours) or linezolid (600 mg twice daily). Some key points to consider in the treatment of Kocuria rhizophila infections include:
- Treatment duration typically ranges from 7-14 days for uncomplicated infections to 2-6 weeks for more severe cases like bacteremia or endocarditis.
- Drainage of any abscesses and removal of infected foreign bodies or catheters is crucial for successful treatment.
- Immunocompromised patients may require longer treatment courses and closer monitoring for complications, as highlighted in a case series of Kocuria palustris bacteremia among immunocompromised patients 2. It is essential to note that Kocuria species are generally susceptible to many antibiotics, but resistance patterns can vary, making susceptibility testing important for guiding optimal therapy, as discussed in a systematic review of antimicrobial treatment of Kocuria kristinae invasive infections 3.