Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia (SAB) Management Clinical Guideline

Version 2.0 approved 27 February 2023

The Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia (SAB) Management Clinical Guideline (PDF 636KB) has been developed by the South Australian expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (SAAGAR) to guide the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) in adult patients. SAB is one of the most frequent causes of hospital-acquired and community-acquired blood stream infections and is associated with high morbidity and mortality [1]. Treatment needs to commence promptly with appropriate empirical therapy and clinical investigations as described in this guideline.

Key stewardship points

Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus in blood cultures should never be regarded as a contaminant. Evaluate all patients and commence empirical treatment with an appropriate beta-lactam and vancomycin.
Reduce to a single antimicrobial agent once sensitivities confirmed.
Beta-lactams are associated with improved outcomes compared to vancomycin when used to treat methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteraemia.
A minimum of 2 weeks of IV therapy is required for uncomplicated infections, and a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks for complicated infections.
Provide ALL patients with Patient Information Leaflet ‘Important information for patients diagnosed with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia’.

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Last updated: 01 Aug 2024

Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia (SAB) Management Clinical Guideline

Key stewardship points

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