Clinical experience with linezolid for the treatment of nocardia infection

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Feb 1;36(3):313-8. doi: 10.1086/345907. Epub 2003 Jan 13.

Abstract

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone that has activity against most gram-positive bacteria, including in vitro activity against all Nocardia species and strains. We describe 6 clinical cases of nocardiosis that were successfully treated with linezolid. Two patients had underlying X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, and 2 patients were receiving chronic corticosteroid therapy. Four of 6 patients had disseminated disease, and 2 of these 4 patients had multiple brain abscesses. Four patients primarily received monotherapy; for the fifth patient, linezolid was added to a failing multiple-drug regimen, and, for the sixth patient, it was used as part of combination therapy. All 6 patients were successfully treated, although 1 patient had a presumed relapse of central nervous system infection after premature discontinuation of the drug. Linezolid appears to be an effective alternative for the treatment of nocardiosis.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetamides / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linezolid
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nocardia Infections / drug therapy*
  • Nocardia* / drug effects
  • Oxazolidinones / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Acetamides
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Oxazolidinones
  • Linezolid