Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an emerging public health threat

Three reported cases of infection with strains of Staphylococcus aureus that had only intermediate susceptibility to vancomycin raise fears that high-level vancomycin resistance may soon be seen. To forestall this occurrence, physicians need to limit their use of vancomycin, and hospitals need to intensify their infection-control efforts. We review treatment options and the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify and slow the spread of resistant strains.