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Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
Teicoplanin Chemistry and Microbiology
F Parenti1, G C Schito, P Courvalin
1Biosearch Italia SpA, Gerenzano, Italy. fparenti@biosearch.it
Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|December 29, 2000
Summary
Teicoplanin shows potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including some resistant strains. While less effective against certain Staphylococcus strains and VanA-resistant bacteria, it remains valuable for treating severe Gram-positive infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Glycopeptide resistance is an increasing concern in treating Gram-positive bacterial infections.
- Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic with a spectrum of activity against Gram-positive pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the chemistry, microbiology, and mode of action of teicoplanin.
- To discuss the mechanisms, control, and epidemiology of glycopeptide resistance.
- To evaluate teicoplanin's efficacy against various Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains.
Main Methods:
- Review of teicoplanin's properties and antibacterial activity.
- Analysis of glycopeptide resistance mechanisms (VanA, VanB, VanC).
- Assessment of teicoplanin's effectiveness against resistant bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species.
Main Results:
- Teicoplanin exhibits potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria, comparable to vancomycin but often more effective, especially against Streptococcus and Enterococcus species.
- Some coagulase-negative Staphylococcus strains, particularly S. haemolytieus, show reduced susceptibility to teicoplanin compared to vancomycin.
- Teicoplanin is active against vancomycin resistance mediated by VanB and VanC, but not against VanA-resistant strains.
- The epidemiology of vancomycin-intermediate (VISA) and vancomycin-resistant (GISA) Staphylococcus aureus strains requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Teicoplanin demonstrates significant clinical value and potential in treating severe Gram-positive bacterial infections, including sepsis.
- Understanding glycopeptide resistance mechanisms is crucial for optimizing antibiotic therapy.
- Teicoplanin offers a viable treatment option, particularly against infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive organisms.
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