The role of glycopeptides in the treatment of intravascular catheter-related infections

There is increasing concern over multiresistant staphylococcci in catheter-associated infections. Local infections due to coagulase-negative staphylococci are usually resolved by removal of the intravascular catheter. However, if the device should remain for a certain period of time, e.g. to complete a course of chemotherapy, the antibiotic lock technique with a glycopeptide should be considered. In case of septic embolism to the lung caused by a multiresistant Staphylococccus aureus or Enterococcus faecium, systemic therapy with glycopeptides, streptogramins or linezolid must be employed.