NCT07376889 · Intermountain Health Care, Inc.
Combination Antibiotic Therapy for Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia
(COMBAT-SAB)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to see if, in selected patients with a serious bacterial infection of the bloodstream, treating the bacterial infection with a combination of antibiotics is more effective than treating the infection with a single antibiotic. Participants must have blood cultures which are positive for a certain type of bacteria.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to see if, in selected patients with a serious bacterial infection of the bloodstream, treating the bacterial infection with a combination of antibiotics is more effective than treating the infection with a single antibiotic. Participants must have blood cultures which are positive for a certain type of bacteria.
Interventions
DRUG
Antibiotic Monotherapy (AM) for patients with methicillin-sensitive S. aureus bacteremia (MSSAB)
Intravenous anti-staphylococcal beta-lactam, either cefazolin or nafcillin, per the discretion of the treating physician.
DRUG
Antibiotic Monotherapy (AM) for patients with methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia (MRSAB)
Vancomycin or daptomycin, per discretion of the treating physician
DRUG
Combination Antibiotic Therapy (CAT) for patients with methicillin-sensitive S. aureus bacteremia (MSSAB)
Patients with methicillin-sensitive S. aureus bacteremia (MSSAB) and no contraindications will receive an anti-staphylococcal beta-lactam, either cefazolin or nafcillin, plus ertapenem
DRUG
Combination Antibiotic Therapy (CAT) for patients with methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia (MRSAB)
Daptomycin plus ceftaroline
Primary outcome measures
Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR)
Time frame: From enrollment to 30 days post enrollment
The DOOR ordinal scale includes four possible outcomes: treatment failure, infectious complications, antibiotic-associated adverse events and death. The ordinal scale comprises five levels: levels 1-4 are defined by survival at 30 days and the presence of either none, one, two or three of three possible outcomes; level 5 indicates death before 30 days. A DOOR analysis estimates the probability that overall outcomes in any given subject in one group are overall superior to those in a random subject from the other treatment group; probabilities \>50% reject the null hypothesis.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥18 years
- Alive and admitted to an Intermountain Health (IH) hospital acute care unit at enrollment
- Initial positive blood culture with either methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), collected:
- on or during the index admission to an IH hospital, or
- in an ambulatory setting (laboratory, clinic or emergency department) within 48 hours of the index admission, or
- at a non-IH network hospital within 24 hours of subsequent transfer to an IH hospital
Exclusion criteria
- Patient requests that patient health data not be included in the analysis
Where
- Brighton, Colorado
- Denver, Colorado
- Grand Junction, Colorado
- Lafayette, Colorado
- Wheat Ridge, Colorado
- Billings, Montana
- Butte, Montana
- Miles City, Montana
- Murray, Utah
- Ogden, Utah
- Provo, Utah
- Salt Lake City, Utah
And 1 more location — see the full list below.
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations