Use of long-acting tetracyclines for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections: Case series and review of the literature

Background. Few data exist on the efficacy of the long-acting tetracyclines doxycycline and minocycline against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Methods. The medical records of 24 patients with serious tetracycline-susceptible MRSA infections who were treated with doxycycline or minocycline were reviewed. A review of the literature on the use of these antibiotics for treatment of both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection was also performed. Results. Complicated skin and skin-structure infections were most common (67%). Clinical cure was achieved in 20 (83%) of 24 patients in our case series. Both drugs were well-tolerated. The review of the literature on a total of 85 patients with S. aureus infection revealed similar results. Conclusions. Long-acting tetracyclines may be a reasonable treatment alternative for patients with certain types of MRSA infection.