Evaluating the efficacy of drug combinations in treating MRSA: A systematic review

• Main Authors: Olivar, Czarine Daphne Marie M., Pecson, Matthew Robyn G.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Staphylococcus aureus; Drug resistance in microorganisms; Methicillin resistance; Bacteria
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_bio/86
• Institution: De La Salle University

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen due to its resistance to standard antibiotics, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatments. Increased rates of morbidity and mortality have resulted from this resistance, especially in healthcare settings where infections can spread quickly. Therefore, the development and evaluation of effective drug combinations are essential for preventing MRSA infections and enhancing patient outcomes. Taking these points into account, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various drug combinations in treating MRSA, specifically to assess the outcome of drug combinations utilized in the treatment of MRSA. These outcomes include whether the patients were (a) treated or not treated ; (b) if not treated it led to death or gain more resistance to various drugs or lead to other complications, and to identify the different drug combinations used in the treatment of MRSA. The investigation included 33 articles published between January 2014 and March 2024 from three databases, focusing on antibiotic and natural product combinations. After the 33 publications were examined, favorable findings were found. All 33 studies (100%) showed high success and recovery rates while also successfully eradicating the infection. Interestingly, no resistance developed in twenty-five (25) out of 33 studies (75.76%). Moreover, eight studies (24.24%) revealed a decrease in resistance. Thirty-three (33) studies (100%) reported no deaths and five studies (15.15%) indicated a reduction in mortality. In terms of complications, 25 articles (75.76%) reported no adverse effects, while 6 articles (18.18%) showed a decrease in complications. Nine (9) out of 33 studies (27.27%) highlighted that combining daptomycin with various other drugs effectively inhibits MRSA, demonstrating its role in synergistic combinations. The study did, however, also highlight the drawbacks of depending just on research that has been published, the possibility of publication bias, and the requirement for a more thorough investigation incorporating patient data. The findings open the door for more therapeutic uses and highlight the value of combination treatments in treating MRSA infections.