Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an emerging public health threat

Cleve Clin J Med. 1997 Nov-Dec;64(10):527-32. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.64.10.527.

Abstract

Three reported cases of infection with strains of Staphylococcus aureus that had only intermediate susceptibility to vancomycin raise fears that high-level vancomycin resistance may soon be seen. To forestall this occurrence, physicians need to limit their use of vancomycin, and hospitals need to intensify their infection-control efforts. We review treatment options and the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify and slow the spread of resistant strains.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Ohio
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Public Health
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Vancomycin / pharmacology*
  • Vancomycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vancomycin