To the Editors:
To further comment on the safety, tolerability and efficacy profile of linezolid in treating “difficult” tuberculosis (TB) cases, following the recent study by Villar et al. [1], we here report on the experience of the E. Morelli Hospital in Sondalo, Italy, a reference centre for difficult-to-treat TB cases, e.g. those affected by multidrug-resistant (MDR)- and extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-TB, located in northern Italy [2–3].
As reported elsewhere [3], linezolid has been prescribed “off label” in Sondalo, Italy since 2005 to treat patients for whom at least four active drugs cannot be ensured, according to World Health Organization recommendations [4].
Administration of linezolid, within regimens designed to balance efficacy and tolerability, needs to be guided by clear scientific evidence focused on the ideal dosage (per kg body weight per day) and duration [1, …
