From the FDA Drug Label
Clindamycin Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. Skin and skin structure infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and anaerobes.
The most effective antibiotic for treating Anaerococcus species infection from a wound culture is clindamycin, as it is indicated for the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria, including skin and skin structure infections caused by anaerobes 1.
- Key points:
- Clindamycin is effective against anaerobic bacteria
- It is used to treat skin and skin structure infections caused by anaerobes
- Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin 2
From the Research
For treating Anaerococcus species in wound infections, metronidazole is typically the first-line antibiotic choice, usually dosed at 500 mg orally three times daily for 7-10 days. Anaerococcus is an anaerobic gram-positive coccus that responds well to antibiotics targeting anaerobic bacteria. The most recent and highest quality studies, such as 3 and 4, support the use of metronidazole as a first-line treatment option. Alternative effective options include:
- Clindamycin (300-450 mg orally four times daily)
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate (875/125 mg twice daily)
- Piperacillin-tazobactam (4.5 g IV every 6-8 hours) for more severe infections Treatment should be accompanied by proper wound care, including debridement of necrotic tissue if present, as this removes the anaerobic environment these bacteria thrive in. Susceptibility testing is recommended when possible, as resistance patterns can vary, as noted in 5, 6, and 7. The duration of therapy typically ranges from 7-14 days depending on infection severity, wound healing progress, and the patient's clinical response. For polymicrobial infections, which are common with Anaerococcus, broader coverage may be necessary based on all organisms identified in the culture, as suggested by 3 and 4.