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

Cureus. 2024 Feb 12;16(2):e54078. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54078. eCollection 2024 Feb.

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.

Keywords: dalbavancin; drug compliance; infectious disease medicine; methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteremia; osteomyelitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports