From the FDA Drug Label
Vancomycin has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections... Aerobic bacteria Gram-positive bacteria Corynebacterium spp.
Vancomycin covers Corynebacterium infections. The antibiotic vancomycin has been shown to be active against most isolates of Corynebacterium spp, both in vitro and in clinical infections 1.
From the Research
Vancomycin is the preferred initial treatment for Corynebacterium infections, especially for severe cases, due to its consistent activity against these bacteria, as shown in the most recent study 2.
Key Points to Consider
- The most recent study 2 from 2021 highlights the importance of vancomycin in treating Corynebacterium infections, particularly for severe cases or when the susceptibility of the strain is unknown.
- Corynebacterium species can develop resistance to various antibiotics, making susceptibility testing crucial for guiding definitive therapy 3, 2.
- For less severe infections, doxycycline or amoxicillin may be considered as alternative options, but the choice of antibiotic should be based on susceptibility results when available 4, 5.
Treatment Considerations
- Vancomycin is active against all Corynebacterium isolates tested in the most recent study 2, making it a reliable choice for initial treatment.
- Penicillin G can be effective for susceptible strains, but resistance is common, especially among certain species like Corynebacterium jeikeium and Corynebacterium urealyticum 3.
- Daptomycin plus rifampin has been successfully used in a case of Corynebacterium striatum endocarditis, offering an alternative for patients allergic to vancomycin or with resistant strains 5.
Duration and Monitoring
- Treatment duration typically ranges from 7-14 days, depending on the severity of the infection and the site of infection.
- Susceptibility testing is essential for guiding therapy, especially in severe cases or when the clinical response is not as expected.
- Monitoring for potential side effects of antibiotics, such as vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity, is crucial during treatment.