Evolving antimicrobial chemotherapy for Staphylococcus aureus infections: Our backs to the wall

Crit Care Med. 2001 Apr;29(4 Suppl):N92-6. doi: 10.1097/00003246-200104001-00007.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for many nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Its evolving resistance to traditional antimicrobial chemotherapy and emerging prevalence outside of the healthcare environment are serious concerns. This review of the changing epidemiology of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, the emergence of vancomycin (glycopeptide)-resistant isolates, and the mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactams and glycopeptides provides an update for clinicians regarding effective strategies for treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Community-Acquired Infections / epidemiology
  • Community-Acquired Infections / prevention & control
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Vancomycin Resistance

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents