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Updated: Mar 7, 2026

Experimental Endocarditis Model of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA in Rat
Published on: June 4, 2012
Ceftaroline-Resistant, Daptomycin-Tolerant, and Heterogeneous Vancomycin-Intermediate Methicillin-Resistant
Masayuki Nigo1, Lorena Diaz2,3, Lina P Carvajal2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
We report a case of infective endocarditis (IE) caused by ceftaroline-resistant, daptomycin-tolerant, and heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Resistance to ceftaroline emerged in the absence of drug exposure, and the E447K substitution in the active site of PBP2a previously associated with ceftaroline resistance was identified. Additionally, we present evidence of patient-to-patient transmission of the strain within the same unit. This case illustrates the difficulties in treating MRSA IE in the setting of a multidrug-resistant phenotype.
Insights
This study details a difficult-to-treat case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infective endocarditis. The MRSA strain exhibited resistance to ceftaroline and tolerance to daptomycin, complicating patient treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Infective endocarditis (IE) poses significant treatment challenges, particularly when caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common cause of IE, and emerging resistance patterns complicate therapeutic options.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Antimicrobial Effectiveness

