Microbiologic Response With Linezolid And Vancomycin In Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Due To Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

• Drug: Vancomycin
  1 gram IV every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days
• Drug: Linezolid
  600 mg every 12 hours (intravenously [IV] for a minimum of the first 4 days followed by a switch to oral if tolerated by patient) for a total duration of 7 to 14 days

• Experimental: 1
  Intervention: Drug: Vancomycin
• Experimental: 2
  Intervention: Drug: Linezolid

Inclusion Criteria:

• The patient must have or be suspected of having a ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to MRSA.
• Patient must be hospitalized for at least 5 days, must be ventilator-dependent ? 48 hours prior to screen/baseline, and anticipated to remain on the ventilator for 72 hours after enrollment so follow-up BAL can be performed.
• Clinical picture compatible with pneumonia (acquired during ventilation)
• Chest X Ray at baseline/screen or within 24 hours of initiation of therapy must be consistent with diagnosis of pneumonia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hypersensitivity to linezolid, vancomycin, or one of the excipients in any of these drug formulations.
• Infections due to gram-positive organisms known to be resistant to either of the study drugs.
• Any antibiotic used in the treatment of MRSA, such as vancomycin, TMP/SMX, rifampin, or linezolid, for more than 48 hours prior to patient's enrollment into the study.
• Patients with neutropenia, AIDS, lymphoma or anticipated chemotherapy.
• Patients who have long-term tracheostomy (for more than 60 days). Acute tracheostomy patients are allowed.