Search and Destroy decolonization regimen

The Search and Destroy (SD) decolonization regimen is a treatment protocol developed and evaluated by Radboud University Medical Center in the CARRIER clinical trial. It is designed to eradicate *Staphylococcus aureus* colonization in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN) to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections. The regimen consists of a short-term (one-week) course of systemic antibiotics—typically a combination of doxycycline and rifampin, or other agents such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or clindamycin based on strain susceptibility—paired with topical treatments. The topical component includes mupirocin nasal ointment and chlorhexidine body wash. Clinical trial results indicated that this intensive systemic approach did not demonstrate superior efficacy over continuous topical suppression and was associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects.

Other names

CARRIER trial SD armsystemic antibiotic decolonization strategySearch and Destroy strategy