Duration dependent on:
- ability to remove line
- organism involved
- uncomplicated/complicated (see below).
Uncomplicated
BC positive with:
- CoNS - 5-7 days
Avoid treatment in response to single positive blood culture for CoNS. Repeat culture recommended.
- S. aureus & TEE negative - 14 days after first negative BC
- Gram negative organisms - 7-14 days
- Candida spp - 14 days after first negative BC.
- If BC negative but catheter tip ≥15 CFU of S. aureus or Candida spp, consider 5-7 day course of therapy after line removal.
Complicated
- Septic thrombophlebitis - 4-6 weeks
- Endocarditis - 4-6 weeks
- Osteomyelitis - 6-8 weeks
- Persistent bacteremia > 72h after catheter removal despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy - 4-6 weeks.