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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
14:04

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

The prevalence and mechanisms of vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

Timothy R Walsh1, Robin A Howe

  • 1Department of Pathology and Microbiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom. t.r.walsh@bristol.ac.uk

Annual Review of Microbiology
|July 27, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains are rare but concerning. Research is needed to define these resistant strains and understand their clinical impact.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is a global health concern.
  • VRSA strains are currently rare but detected worldwide.
  • Controversy exists regarding the definition and detection of heterogeneous vancomycin resistance in S. aureus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge and theories on vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
  • To address the challenges in defining and detecting heterogeneous vancomycin resistance.
  • To explore the clinical relevance of these resistant strains.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and research on vancomycin resistance mechanisms in S. aureus.
  • Analysis of data on prevalence estimates and detection methods.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of cell wall metabolism alterations.

Main Results:

  • Heterogeneous vancomycin resistance in S. aureus presents challenges in definition and detection.
  • Prevalence estimates vary widely (0-20%), hindering clinical relevance assessment.
  • Resistance mechanisms involve complex cell wall metabolism changes, including thickened cell walls and reduced peptidoglycan cross-linking.

Conclusions:

  • Vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is a complex issue with varied resistance mechanisms.
  • Standardized methods for detection and clear definitions are crucial.
  • Further research is needed to ascertain the clinical significance of these strains.

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