Comparison of Telavancin and Vancomycin Antibiotic Lock Solutions in the Eradication of Biofilm-Producing Staphylococci and Enterococci from Central Venous Catheters

Authors

Megan K. Luther, University of Rhode Island
A. Mermel, University of Rhode Island
Kerry L. LaPlante, University of Rhode IslandFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

2016

Department

Pharmacy Practice

Abstract

Purpose: Results of a study of the activity of antibiotic lock solutions of vancomycin and telavancin against biofilm-forming strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus are reported.

Methods: An established in vitro central venous catheter model was used to evaluate lock solutions containing vancomycin (5 mg/mL) or telavancin (5 mg/mL), with and without preservative-containing heparin sodium (with 0.45% benzyl alcohol) 2500 units/mL, heparin, and 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Lock solutions were introduced after 24-hour bacterial growth in catheters incubated at 35 °C. After 72 hours of exposure to the lock solutions, catheters were drained, flushed, and cut into segments for quantification of colony-forming units.

Results: Against S. epidermidis, vancomycin and telavancin (with or without heparin) had similar activity. Against E. faecalis, vancomycin alone was more active than telavancin alone (p < 0.01). Against S. aureus, vancomycin plus heparin had activity than telavancin (p < 0.02). The addition of heparin was associated with reduced activity of the vancomycin lock solution against S. epidermidis and E. faecalis (p < 0.01). Telavancin activity was not significantly changed with the addition of heparin.

Conclusion: In a central venous catheter model, vancomycin and telavancin activity was similar in reducing biofilm-producing S. epidermidis. However, vancomycin was more active than telavancin against E. faecalis and S. aureus. None of the tested agents eradicated biofilm-forming strains. The addition of preservative-containing heparin sodium 2500 units/mL to vancomycin was associated with reduced activity against S. epidermidis and E. faecalis.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Luther, M. K., Mermel, L. A., & LaPlante, K. L. (2016). Comparison of telavancin and vancomycin lock solutions in eradication of biofilm-producing staphylococci and enterococci from central venous catheters. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 73(5), 315-321. doi: 10.2146/ajhp150029

Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2146/ajhp150029