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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

Glycopeptide resistance in Staphylococcus aureus: is it a real threat?

Curtis G Gemmell1

  • 1Department of Bacteriology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammation, University of Glasgow Medical School, 86 Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0SF, UK. c.g.gemmell@clinmed.gla.ac.uk

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy : Official Journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy
|May 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains poses a significant threat. Understanding the different resistance mechanisms is crucial for combating these infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has evolved significantly since 1992.
  • Initial concerns of in vitro vancomycin resistance transfer have materialized into in vivo threats.
  • Recent isolations show higher-level vancomycin resistance transferred via plasmids, increasing the threat.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving threat of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus.
  • To contextualize the clinical implications of S. aureus strains with reduced vancomycin susceptibility.
  • To explore the mechanisms and impact of emerging resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of S. aureus vancomycin resistance.
  • Analysis of resistance transfer events (in vitro and in vivo).
  • Examination of distinct resistance mechanisms in different S. aureus phenotypes.

Main Results:

  • Two primary mechanisms of reduced glycopeptide susceptibility identified: altered cell wall biosynthesis (hVISA/VISA) and altered target (VRSA).
  • Evidence suggests increasing prevalence and severity of vancomycin resistance in S. aureus.
  • Plasmid-mediated transfer from Enterococcus faecalis contributes to higher resistance levels.

Conclusions:

  • Vancomycin resistance in S. aureus represents a growing challenge in healthcare settings.
  • Understanding the diverse mechanisms of resistance is vital for effective treatment strategies.
  • Continued vigilance and research are necessary to mitigate the threat of resistant S. aureus infections.

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