The best antibiotic for a blood infection depends on the specific bacteria causing the infection. There is no single "best" antibiotic that works in all cases.
Empiric therapy, which is treatment started before the specific bacteria is identified, often involves broad-spectrum antibiotics. According to the reference, preferred options include:
- Meropenem
- Cefepime (especially if Pseudomonas is suspected)
However, these options may not cover all possible bacteria. Additional coverage is often needed for staphylococci.
If Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a concern in the hospital or community, the following antibiotics may be added:
- Linezolid
- Vancomycin
- Daptomycin
If Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is suspected, the following antibiotics can be used:
- Nafcillin
- Oxacillin
- Cefazolin
In summary, the choice of antibiotic depends on identifying the bacteria causing the bloodstream infection and its antibiotic sensitivities. Initial treatment typically involves broad-spectrum antibiotics while awaiting lab results, and the specific antibiotics used may need to be adjusted based on the lab data.
