A Study of Beta-Lactam in Hospitalized Patients With Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Inclusion Criteria: * adult patients, \>=18 years of age; * skin or skin structure infection requiring hospitalization; * clinical diagnosis of a skin or skin structure infection caused by bacteria known or suspected to be susceptible to the randomized study treatment; * material from site of infection is clinically purulent or seropurulent. Exclusion Criteria: * presenting with sustained shock (SBP\<90mm Hg for \> 2 hours, despite adequate fluid resuscitation); * known or suspected concomitant bacterial infection requiring antibiotic treatment; * skin infection or chronic non-healing ulcer of \> 2 weeks duration; * patients in whom surgery is the primary treatment.