Objective: To review the microbiological activity, safety, and efficacy of the new
fluoroquinolone delafloxacin for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure
infections (ABSSSIs). Data Sources: A PubMed search from 1945 to September 2018 was done using the terms
delafloxacin, acute bacterial skin and skin structure
infections, skin and
soft tissue infections, and
fluoroquinolone. Additional sources include the Food and Drug Administration website, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Melinta
Therapeutics website. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The literature search was limited to those published in the English language and included in vitro and human studies that evaluated microbiological coverage, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and/or efficacy. Data Synthesis:
Delafloxacin is a new
fluoroquinolone with a unique structure for its class that covers both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas. This new
antibiotic has demonstrated noninferiority to
vancomycin plus
aztreonam for the treatment of ABSSSIs in both an intravenous-only regimen and an intravenous to an oral regimen. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: ABSSSIs are
infections that are most often caused by Staphylococcus and represent one of the most common types of
hospital infections. MRSA represents about half of all
staphylococcal skin infections, and along with gram-negative
infections, increase the rates of patient morbidity and health care costs.
Delafloxacin is an additional treatment option that covers both of these types of microorganisms. Conclusions:
Delafloxacin is a safe and effective treatment option for ABSSSIs, particularly in those with
polymicrobial infections and those with MRSA.