The magnitude and persistence of the systemic inflammation are considered key determinants of outcomes in the setting of VAP . Atorvastatin pretreatment could blunt the host inflammatory response within the blood compartment as reported in animal models of sepsis . However, it may be deleterious in our model since bacteremia is an independent predictor of death in MRSA VAP patients . Linezolid might have immuno-modulatory properties likely to dampen MRSA virulence factors, including the expression of pro-inflammatory signals and could thus be beneficial in a mouse model of pneumonia despite persisting bacteremia . Accordingly, the overall effect of the combination of atorvastatin and LNZ could protect the host against a protracted systemic inflammatory response, although delaying S. aureus clearance from the blood compartment. However, further experimental studies are necessary before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.