Dalbavancin as a Viable Alternative for Addressing Treatment Adherence in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bacteremia: A Case Report

TL;DR

A homeless patient with MRSA infection was successfully treated with dalbavancin, a weekly antibiotic that may improve adherence in difficult outpatient cases.

Contribution

Dalbavancin's once-weekly dosing is shown to be effective for MRSA bacteremia in patients with adherence challenges.

Findings

A homeless patient with MRSA bacteremia and osteomyelitis was successfully treated with dalbavancin.

Weekly dosing with dalbavancin may improve adherence in socially disadvantaged outpatient populations.

Dalbavancin offers a viable alternative for treating MRSA in challenging outpatient settings.

Abstract

Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) aims to facilitate antibiotic treatment in non-hospital settings while minimizing hospitalization costs and infection risks. However, ensuring patient adherence, especially among socially disadvantaged groups like the homeless may be challenging. Studies indicate that increased dosing frequency negatively impacts adherence rates. Simplified dosing schedules and addressing transportation barriers are protective measures.

Dalbavancin, a weekly oral antibiotic with an extended half-life, may offer a solution for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia in patients with adherence challenges. We present a case of a homeless patient with MRSA bacteremia and osteomyelitis successfully treated with dalbavancin. Our case highlights the potential of dalbavancin's once-weekly dosing to improve adherence and treatment outcomes in challenging outpatient scenarios.

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