Aerosolized vancomycin therapy facilitating nursing home placement

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a novel method of eliminating nasopharyngeal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a debilitated, hospitalized patient. DESIGN: Single-patient, nonblind, nonplacebo, case study. SETTING: Community hospital, Brooklyn, NY. PATIENT: Hospitalized patient with recalcitrant nasopharyngeal MRSA colonization that could not be eliminated by conventional therapeutic interventions. INTERVENTIONS: Aerosolized vancomycin hydrochloride 120 mg q6h administered in room air via face mask together with vancomycin nasal drops, 2 drops to each nostril q6h. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Elimination of MRSA from the nasopharynx of the patient. RESULTS: Successful elimination of MRSA colonization after four days of therapy. Aerosolized vancomycin in combination with vancomycin nasal drops is beneficial in eliminating nasopharyngeal colonization by MRSA. Clinical trials are warranted to confirm this clinical observation.