Staphylococcal CNS infections treated with vancomycin and rifampin
P. Vichyanond and L. C. Olson
Three children had staphylococcal infections of the CNS. In two cases the
organisms were resistant to methicillin sodium. Each case was treated with
a combination of vancomycin hydrochloride and rifampin; in one instance
vancomycin alone had been unsuccessful. The addition of rifampin resulted
in prompt clinical and bacteriologic resolution. Satisfactory levels of
rifampin were achieved by administering the drug either orally or
intravenously, and in one patient oral administration of rifampin produced
assayed levels in subdural pus many times that required for minimal
bactericidal activity. Combination therapy with vancomycin and rifampin is
recommended for staphylococcal infections of the CNS.
