Authors' objectives:

To summarise the available evidence on the use of linezolid (Zyvox(R)) in the treatment of serious gram-positive infections.

Authors' recommendations: The rate of resistance of the three most common gram-positive pathogens has increased dramatically in the last decade. In the United States vancomycin resistance in enterococci has risen from less than 1% to 18% exhibiting resistance. The strength of linezolid comes from its demonstrated ability to handle serious infection for which current therapy is limited (i.e. vancomycin resistant enterococci and methicilin-resistant staphlococcus). However, its efficacy for the treatment of many less serious gram-positive bacterial infections is equal to that of comparator antibiotics. Linezolid will provide a valuable option for the treatment of patients with serious gram-positive infections resistant to standard therapy. Experience with linezolid is limited to 28-day therapy, mainly in the form of industry run trials and cases of compassionate use. There is much momentum in the development of therapies for serious gram-positive infections. Only time will tell where linezolid will fit among the new and emerging options.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: https://www.ccohta.ca/research/index.html

Year Published: 2001

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553, Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment