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Staphylococcus aureus resistant to vancomycin--United States, 2002
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is a cause of hospital- and community-acquired infections. In 1996, the first clinical isolate of S. aureus with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin was reported from Japan. The vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) result reported for this isolate was in the intermediate range (vancomycin MIC=8 microg/mL) using interpretive criteria defined by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. As of June 2002, eight patients with clinical infections caused by vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) have been confirmed in the United States. This report describes the first documented case of infection caused by vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) (vancomycin MIC > or = 32 microg/mL) in a patient in the United States. The emergence of VRSA underscores the need for programs to prevent the spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms and control the use of antimicrobial drugs in health-care settings.
Insights
The first U.S. case of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) infection is reported. This highlights the urgent need for antimicrobial resistance control programs in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of hospital and community infections.
- Vancomycin is a critical antibiotic for treating S. aureus infections.
- The emergence of vancomycin resistance in S. aureus poses a significant public health threat.
Observation:
- The first clinical isolate of S. aureus with reduced vancomycin susceptibility (intermediate) was reported in Japan in 1996.
- As of June 2002, eight U.S. patients had infections caused by vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA).
- This report details the first documented U.S. case of infection caused by vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA).
Findings:
- The VRSA isolate exhibited a vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≥32 µg/mL.
- This case represents a critical escalation in antimicrobial resistance for S. aureus in the United States.
Implications:
- The emergence of VRSA necessitates enhanced surveillance and infection control measures.
- Strict antimicrobial stewardship programs are crucial to prevent the further spread of resistant bacteria.
- This underscores the global challenge of combating antimicrobial resistance and preserving the efficacy of last-resort antibiotics.