USE OF VANCOMYCIN IN THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS CAUSED BY METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)

Abstract

A bibliographic review was carried out in scientific articles and books in the laboratory medical area regarding the use of vancomycin in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive, potentially pathogenic bacteria that causes infections. Methicillin, a beta-lactam antimicrobial, is considered the first choice for the treatment of infections caused by S. aureus. agent, these strains being then called methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Although S. aureus may be susceptible to the action of several drugs against Gram-positive bacteria (such as methicillin, penicillins), it is also recognized for its high capacity to develop resistance to all. Currently, the use of glycopeptides, such as vancomycin, has been one of the last choices for the intravenous treatment of infections caused by strains of MRSA, however, the emergence of VRSA (vancomycin-resistant S. aureus) has been observed. Despite the emergence of resistance to vancomycin, it continues to be an important antimicrobial for the treatment of severe infections and its administration has contributed to a reduction in the number of infections.