Old antimicrobials and Gram-positive cocci through the example of infective endocarditis and bone and joint infections

Abstract

The management of some serious infections such as infective endocarditis (IE) and bone and joint infections (BJIs) caused by Gram-positive cocci (GPC) is complex and requires great responsiveness and effective antimicrobials with high bioavailability in heart valves or bone tissues. Treatment of these infections requires the use of a higher dosage that may result in increased toxicity or the use of new promising antimicrobials to control the infection. However, use of these new antimicrobials could still bring about new toxicity and resistance. Another approach may be the 'comeback' of old antimicrobials, which is evaluated in this review in the treatment of IE and BJIs caused by GPC.

Keywords: Bone and joint infection; Gram-positive cocci; Infective endocarditis; Old antimicrobials; Osteomyelitis; Prosthetic joint infection.