Aminoglycosides in Enterococcal Endocarditis: Longer May Not Be Better

Abstract

Combining an aminoglycoside with an antibiotic that is active at the bacterial cell wall (for example, a β-lactam or vancomycin) is generally believed to provide optimal treatment for enterococcal endocarditis. Based on results of limited clinical studies, major U.S. and British treatment guidelines recommend 4 to 6 weeks of combined therapy. However, prolonged aminoglycoside …