Staphylococcus aureus: methicillin-susceptible S. aureus to methicillin-resistant S. aureus and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus.
The evolution of methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has demanded serious review of antimicrobial use and development of new agents and revised approaches to prevent and overcome drug resistance. Depending on local conditions and patient risk factors, empirical therapy of suspected S. aureus infection may require coverage of drug-resistant organisms with newer agents and novel antibiotic combinations. The question of treatment with inappropriate antibiotics raises grave concerns with regard to methicillin-resistant S. aureus selection, overgrowth, and increased virulence. Several strategies to reduce the nosocomial burden of resistance are suggested, including shortened hospital stays and outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy of the most serious infections.
Rehm
Susan J
SJ
Department of Infectious Disease, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. rehms@ccf.org
Tice
Alan
A
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based; D006801:Humans; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D020713:Vancomycin Resistance
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents