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Staphylococcus aureus with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin--United States, 1997
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of both hospital- and community-acquired infections worldwide, and the antimicrobial agent vancomycin has been used to treat many S. aureus infections, particularly those caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In 1996, the first documented case of infection caused by a strain of S. aureus with intermediate levels of resistance to vancomycin (VISA; minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC]=8 microg/mL) was reported from Japan. This report describes the first isolation of VISA from a patient in the United States, which may be an early warning that S. aureus strains with full resistance to vancomycin will emerge.
Insights
The first U.S. isolation of vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) was reported. This finding may signal the emergence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus strains, a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of global infections.
- Vancomycin is a critical treatment for S. aureus, especially MRSA.
- Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) emerged in 1996.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first isolation of VISA in the United States.
- To highlight the potential for increasing vancomycin resistance in S. aureus.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case report.
- Microbiological identification and susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- First documented U.S. isolation of VISA from a patient.
- VISA strains exhibit intermediate resistance to vancomycin (MIC=8 microg/mL).
Conclusions:
- The U.S. VISA isolation is an early indicator of evolving vancomycin resistance.
- Continued surveillance is crucial to monitor and combat emerging resistant strains.