From the Research
For treating a urinary tract infection caused by Actinotignum schaalii in a catheterized patient, β-lactam antibiotics are the recommended first-line treatment, as they have been shown to be the most efficient treatment option 1. The choice of antibiotic is crucial in managing Actinotignum schaalii infections, particularly in patients with catheters, as this bacterium is known to be resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and second-generation quinolones 1. Some key points to consider in the treatment of Actinotignum schaalii infections include:
- The use of β-lactam antibiotics, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, as the first-line treatment option 1
- The importance of prolonged antibiotic treatment, up to 2 weeks, to ensure effective eradication of the infection 1
- The need for catheter removal or replacement, if possible, to prevent biofilm formation and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance 1
- The consideration of alternative treatment options, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolones, although A. schaalii may show variable susceptibility to these agents 1 It's also important to note that A. schaalii is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic rod that often goes undetected in routine urine cultures due to its slow growth and special culture requirements 2. Therefore, the use of β-lactam antibiotics, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, is the most appropriate treatment option for Actinotignum schaalii infections in catheterized patients, due to their effectiveness and the bacterium's resistance to other antibiotics 1.