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CLABSI — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateInfectious DiseasesCLABSIRACP Adult Medicine

A 60-year-old man develops fever and rigors 3 days after insertion of a central venous catheter. Blood cultures (peripheral and line) grow coagulase-negative Staphylococcus with differential time to positivity suggesting line infection. He is haemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: A — IV vancomycin

CLABSI with coagulase-negative Staphylococcus requires IV vancomycin (empirical coverage for methicillin resistance, which is common in CoNS). The catheter should be removed where possible. Duration is typically 5–7 days from line removal if uncomplicated, or 10–14 days if the line is retained with antibiotic lock therapy.

Reference: eTG Antibiotic – 2025 – Intravascular Catheter Infections; IDSA 2023 CLABSI Guidelines