Safety and Behavior of S. Aureus Immune Globulin Intravenous(Human), [Altastaph] in Patients With S. Aureus Bacteremia and Continuing Fever

Staphylococcus aureus has been recognized as an important community - acquired and nosocomial pathogen. Because it is a common cause of osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and meningitis, S. aureus infections lead to considerable morbidity and mortality. The main objective of this study will be to test the safety and pharmacokinetics of Altastaph in patients with S. aureus bacteremia and persistent fever. This study will also assess the efficacy of Altastaph versus control.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female greater than or equal to 7 years of age
• Weight less then or equal to 150 kilograms
• Subjects willing to complete the full duration of the study, including the follow up visit to day 42
• Life expectancy will enable the subject to complete the duration of the study
• Female subjects of child-bearing potential, negative serum pregnancy test prior to the first infusion of study material. Female subjects of child-bearing potential must agree to use an effective method of birth control throughout the study. Abstinence is not considered an adequate birth control measure. Female subjects of non-child-bearing potential must have history of hysterectomy, bilateral surgical or radiation-induced oophorectomy, tubal ligation or evidence of post menopausal status
• Subject, legal guardian(s) or medical power of attorney must have given written informed consent/ assent
• S. aureus bacteremia and persistent fever. S. aureus bacteremia is defined as the first blood culture positive for S. aureus (index blood culture). Persistent fever (qualifying fever) is defined as a temperature (greater then or equal to 100.4F or greater then or equal to 38C) occuring at least 24 hours after the index temperature was recorded and after the index blood culture was drawn
• Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) greater then or equal to 500 x 10^9 cells/L
• Subjects with malignancies may participate if:(1) The malignancy is a solid tumor (i.e. not lymphoma, leukemia, etc.)(2) The tumor has not metastasized to the bone marrow

Exclusion criteria

• Known hypersensitivity or previous anaphylaxis to polysaccharide or polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines or to any component of Altastaph
• Profound disability, assessed by the investigator, which would prevent participation in the study
• Known IgA deficiency
• Known HIV infection with CD4 count < 200 cells/L
• Presence of any conditions which, in the opinion of the investigator, places the subject at undo risk or potentially jeopardizes the quality of the data to be generated
• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Use of investigational drug or biologic in the four weeks prior to screening and during the study. The only exception is use of investigational antineoplastic product if, and only if: (1) The product is not expected to result in sever and prolonged immunosuppression (2) The product is, itself, not immunologically-based (e.g. anti-tumor/ monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines or interleukins