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Mrsa antibiotics used to treat. MRSA Antibiotics: Comprehensive Guide to Treatment and Plant-Based Alternatives

by alexxlab

How do MRSA infections develop. What are the most effective antibiotics for treating MRSA. Can medicinal plant extracts combat antibiotic-resistant MRSA strains. What challenges does vancomycin resistance pose in MRSA treatment.

Understanding MRSA: A Formidable Bacterial Threat

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a significant public health concern in recent years. This bacterial strain has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections particularly challenging to treat. But what exactly is MRSA, and why is it so problematic?

MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that has evolved to resist many common antibiotics, including methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics. This resistance is primarily due to the acquisition of the mecA gene, which encodes for a modified penicillin-binding protein (PBP2A) that has a low affinity for beta-lactam antibiotics.

Key Characteristics of MRSA

  • Resistant to multiple antibiotics
  • Capable of causing various infections, from skin and soft tissue to more severe systemic infections
  • Often associated with healthcare-associated infections but also prevalent in community settings
  • Ability to form biofilms, enhancing its survival and resistance

Is MRSA always more virulent than regular Staphylococcus aureus? While MRSA strains are not inherently more virulent, their resistance to antibiotics makes infections more difficult to treat, potentially leading to more severe outcomes if not addressed promptly and effectively.

The Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

The development of antibiotic resistance in MRSA is a prime example of bacterial evolution in response to selective pressure. As antibiotics have been used extensively in healthcare and agriculture, resistant strains have emerged and proliferated. This process has led to the creation of multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and even pandrug-resistant (PDR) bacterial strains.

How does MRSA acquire resistance to new antibiotics? MRSA can acquire resistance through several mechanisms:

  1. Horizontal gene transfer from other bacteria
  2. Spontaneous mutations that confer resistance
  3. Selection of pre-existing resistant subpopulations under antibiotic pressure

The ability of MRSA to rapidly adapt to new antibiotics has led to a continuous arms race between bacteria and drug development, highlighting the urgent need for novel approaches to combat these infections.

Conventional Antibiotics Used to Treat MRSA Infections

Despite the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance, several antibiotics remain effective against MRSA infections. The choice of antibiotic depends on various factors, including the site and severity of infection, patient characteristics, and local resistance patterns.

First-line Antibiotics for MRSA

  • Vancomycin: Often considered the gold standard for severe MRSA infections
  • Daptomycin: Effective for bloodstream infections and right-sided endocarditis
  • Linezolid: Useful for skin and soft tissue infections, with good oral bioavailability
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: Commonly used for less severe community-acquired MRSA infections

Are there any new antibiotics showing promise against MRSA? Yes, several newer antibiotics have demonstrated efficacy against MRSA, including:

  • Ceftaroline: A fifth-generation cephalosporin with activity against MRSA
  • Tedizolid: A next-generation oxazolidinone with improved potency compared to linezolid
  • Delafloxacin: A novel fluoroquinolone with activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including MRSA

These newer antibiotics provide additional options for treating MRSA infections, particularly in cases where first-line agents are ineffective or contraindicated.

The Vancomycin Resistance Challenge in MRSA Treatment

Vancomycin has long been a cornerstone in the treatment of severe MRSA infections. However, the emergence of vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) strains has raised significant concerns in the medical community.

How do VISA and VRSA strains develop? VISA strains typically arise through gradual adaptations in cell wall thickness and composition, reducing vancomycin’s ability to reach its target. VRSA, on the other hand, acquires resistance through the transfer of the vanA gene from vancomycin-resistant enterococci, conferring high-level resistance.

Implications of Vancomycin Resistance

  • Reduced efficacy of a crucial last-line antibiotic
  • Increased mortality rates in infections caused by resistant strains
  • Need for alternative treatment strategies and combination therapies
  • Heightened importance of antimicrobial stewardship to prevent further resistance

The emergence of vancomycin resistance underscores the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents and alternative approaches to combat MRSA infections.

Exploring Plant-Based Alternatives: Anti-MRSA Activities of Medicinal Plant Extracts

As the threat of antibiotic resistance continues to grow, researchers are increasingly turning to natural sources for potential antimicrobial compounds. Medicinal plants, with their diverse array of secondary metabolites, have shown promising anti-MRSA activities in various studies.

Can plant extracts effectively combat MRSA infections? While more research is needed, several plant extracts have demonstrated significant in vitro activity against MRSA strains. Some notable examples include:

  • Allium sativum (Garlic): Contains allicin, which has shown potent anti-MRSA activity
  • Camellia sinensis (Green tea): Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) exhibits synergistic effects with beta-lactam antibiotics against MRSA
  • Manuka honey: Possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including against MRSA
  • Eucalyptus species: Essential oils have demonstrated antimicrobial effects against various pathogens, including MRSA

These plant-derived compounds offer potential alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antibiotics, potentially helping to overcome resistance mechanisms employed by MRSA.

Mechanisms of Action of Plant-Derived Anti-MRSA Compounds

Plant extracts and their active components can exert anti-MRSA effects through various mechanisms:

  1. Disruption of bacterial cell membranes
  2. Inhibition of protein synthesis
  3. Interference with quorum sensing and biofilm formation
  4. Modulation of antibiotic resistance mechanisms

The diverse modes of action of plant-derived compounds make them particularly attractive as potential therapeutic agents, as they may be less prone to rapid resistance development compared to single-target antibiotics.

Combination Therapies: Synergizing Conventional Antibiotics with Plant Extracts

One promising approach to combating MRSA infections involves combining conventional antibiotics with plant-derived antimicrobial compounds. This strategy aims to enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics while potentially reducing the likelihood of resistance development.

How do combination therapies improve MRSA treatment outcomes? Combination therapies can offer several advantages:

  • Synergistic effects, leading to enhanced antimicrobial activity
  • Reduction in the required antibiotic dose, potentially minimizing side effects
  • Multiple mechanisms of action, making it harder for bacteria to develop resistance
  • Potential restoration of antibiotic efficacy against resistant strains

Several studies have demonstrated the potential of such combinations. For example, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea has been shown to synergize with beta-lactam antibiotics, effectively reversing methicillin resistance in some MRSA strains.

Promising Plant-Antibiotic Combinations

Research has identified several plant extracts that show synergistic effects when combined with conventional antibiotics:

  • Berberine (from various plant species) + beta-lactam antibiotics
  • Thymol (from thyme and oregano) + vancomycin
  • Curcumin (from turmeric) + various antibiotics
  • Garlic extract + antibiotics like oxacillin and ciprofloxacin

These combinations represent a promising avenue for developing new treatment strategies against MRSA infections, potentially extending the useful life of existing antibiotics.

Future Directions in MRSA Treatment: Novel Approaches and Technologies

As the battle against MRSA continues, researchers are exploring innovative approaches to combat this formidable pathogen. These novel strategies aim to overcome the limitations of traditional antibiotic therapies and address the ongoing challenge of antibiotic resistance.

What cutting-edge technologies are being developed to fight MRSA? Several promising approaches are currently under investigation:

  • Bacteriophage therapy: Using viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria
  • CRISPR-Cas9 technology: Gene editing to target antibiotic resistance genes or essential bacterial genes
  • Antimicrobial peptides: Naturally occurring or synthetic peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
  • Nanoparticle-based delivery systems: Enhancing the efficacy and targeted delivery of antimicrobial compounds
  • Quorum sensing inhibitors: Disrupting bacterial communication to prevent virulence and biofilm formation

These innovative approaches offer the potential to overcome many of the limitations associated with conventional antibiotic treatments, providing new hope in the fight against MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in MRSA Research

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly being applied to various aspects of MRSA research and treatment:

  1. Drug discovery: AI algorithms can predict potential antimicrobial compounds and optimize lead molecules
  2. Diagnostics: Machine learning models can improve the speed and accuracy of MRSA detection and antibiotic susceptibility testing
  3. Epidemiology: AI can analyze large datasets to identify patterns in MRSA transmission and predict outbreaks
  4. Personalized treatment: AI-driven decision support systems can help clinicians choose optimal antibiotic regimens based on patient and pathogen characteristics

The integration of AI technologies with traditional research methods has the potential to accelerate the development of new strategies to combat MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

In conclusion, the fight against MRSA requires a multifaceted approach, combining traditional antibiotics, plant-derived compounds, and cutting-edge technologies. By leveraging these diverse strategies, researchers and clinicians can work towards more effective treatments for MRSA infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes and addressing the global threat of antibiotic resistance.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and anti-MRSA activities of extracts of some medicinal plants: A brief review

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Antibiotic choices for CA-MRSA infections

This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Treatment options for community-associated MRSA differ from those of health care-associated MRSA.

Issue: February 2007

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Infectious illness due to community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is increasingly being addressed in the medical news media. This month’s Pharmacology Consult column will review the use of antibiotics in the treatment of infection with this pathogen, including their role and selection, in the pediatric population.

Definition of MRSA

By the CDC’s definition, MRSA infection is classified as community-associated in individuals who have not been hospitalized or undergone a medical procedure within the past 12 months. Previously, infection with MRSA typically occurred in hospitalized patients, known as health care-associated MRSA infection. To differentiate these strains, patients with CA-MRSA infection must meet one of the following criteria:

Edward A. Bell

  • diagnosis of MRSA was made in the outpatient setting or by culture positive for MRSA within 48 hours after hospital admission;
  • no medical history of MRSA infection or colonization;
  • no medical history in the past year of hospitalization, admission to a nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or hospice, or surgery;
  • no permanent indwelling catheters or medical devices that pass through the skin into the body.

Other differences between HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA exist. Fortunately, CA-MRSA isolates are usually susceptible to more antibiotic agents than HA-MRSA isolates, which tend to be resistant to multiple antibiotics. CA-MRSA isolates are more likely to produce specific virulence factors or exotoxins. An important virulence factor produced by many MRSA strains is Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), a cytotoxin. Infection with a PVL-producing strain can result in serious clinical illness, such as osteomyelitis or hemorrhagic necrotizing pneumonia.

Illness due to CA-MRSA most commonly results in skin and soft tissue infections, such as cellulitis, abscess formation or folliculitis. Patients may initially present to primary care clinicians complaining of “spider bites.” However, CA-MRSA infection may also result in serious or fatal disease. Case reports or series of necrotizing pneumonia, empyema, osteomyelitis or sepsis occurring in adults and children have been published. In 1999, the CDC published case reports of fatal CA-MRSA infection in four infants and children.

Source: Edward A. Bell, PharmD, BCPS

Genotype differences

Genotypes of CA-MRSA strains are distinct from HA-MRSA isolates. The mecA gene in staphylococci is responsible for resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. The mecA gene is transported on a mobile genetic element known as a staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC). Five SCCmec complex types have been found for Staphylococcus aureus.

HA-MRSA strains contain primarily SCCmec types I, II and III. These genes are associated with resistance to multiple drug classes, in addition to beta-lactam antibiotics. SCCmec types IV and V encode for resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and are found primarily in CA-MRSA isolates.

Another important characteristic differentiating CA-MRSA strains from HA-MRSA strains is the production of unique toxins and virulence factors. Analyses have revealed differing genes and toxins isolated from CA-MRSA strains that have not been found in HA-MRSA isolates. A clinically significant virulence factor unique to CA-MRSA strains is the PVL toxin. This cytotoxin damages human leukocytes and can produce severe tissue necrosis. Case reports of previously healthy children and adults affected with CA-MRSA infection and the resulting necrotic clinical manifestations, which have been fatal in some cases, have been published. Although the true prevalence of PVL toxin production in CA-MRSA is not known, some reports indicate that the majority of CA-MRSA isolates are able to secrete this highly potent toxin. The most common CA-MRSA clone circulating in the United States, USA300, carries the genes encoding PVL. However, the USA 300 CA-MRSA clone is being increasing recognized as a nosocomial pathogen and so the molecular characteristics of CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA strains are becoming blurred.

Antibiotic treatment

Due to the genotypic differences described above, CA-MRSA isolates are primarily resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems) and macrolides. Thus, additional treatment options are available to clinicians treating CA-MRSA infection. However, no data from controlled trials are available assessing which antibiotics are most likely to be effective when treating infants and children. Data available come primarily from case reports and retrospective studies. Treatment choice is guided by strain-specific antibiotic susceptibilities, clinical severity, patient allergy status, cost, tolerability and age.

Initiation of antibiotic therapy may not be necessary in all children with skin and soft tissue infections caused by CA-MRSA. Lee and colleagues described an observational study of 62 children (mean age 5.5 years) with culture-proven CA-MRSA skin and soft tissue abscess infection. All children received antibiotics and 96% of children received wound incision and drainage. Initial antibiotic therapy for 62 children, prior to culture results, consisted of an ineffective antibiotic (based upon susceptibility studies). For 37 children, therapy was not changed to an antibiotic to which the pathogen was susceptible, whereas therapy was changed to an appropriate antibiotic for 21 children.

There was no difference in outcome in children who received an appropriate antibiotic compared with children who did not receive an appropriate antibiotic. Of the four children hospitalized on the first follow-up visit, none had received an appropriate antibiotic. A significant predictor of hospitalization was initial lesion size – children with a lesion more than 5 cm were more likely to be admitted. Receipt of an initial antibiotic to which the CA-MRSA isolate was not susceptible was not a significant predictor of hospitalization. Thus, incision and drainage without adjunctive antibiotic treatment was an effective therapy in children with CA-MRSA skin and soft tissue abscess infection when the lesion was five cm or less. Other published studies have also concluded that incision and drainage, without antibiotic therapy, can be employed as successful treatment of skin and soft tissue abscess formation, including CA-MRSA infection.

Oral antibiotic choices most likely to be used by pediatric clinicians include clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, minocycline, rifampin and linezolid. Data describing the effectiveness of these agents in children with CA-MRSA infection come primarily from observational studies and case reports. Data are not available from controlled trials, and thus more definitive treatment recommendations and guidelines are not currently available. The 2006 Red Book lists TMP-SMX or clindamycin as antibiotic choices for skin/soft tissue infection or pneumonia, and vancomycin for life-threatening infection.

TMP-SMX, clindamycin, vanco

TMP-SMX is a viable initial antibiotic for CA-MRSA infection, as many, but not all, isolates have been reported to be susceptible to this agent. Documentation of the effectiveness of TMP-SMX comes from case reports and anecdotal recommendations. Sensitivity studies documenting the susceptibility of CA-MRSA to TMP-SMX should be obtained with its use. Because TMP-SMX contains a sulfonamide antibiotic, it should not be used in children with a history of a documented true allergic reaction to previous sulfonamide use. As CA-MRSA infection may also occur in newborns, caution should be used when prescribing TMP-SMX in these patients. As TMP-SMX may displace bilirubin from albumin binding sites, this antibiotic should not be used in newborns with increased bilirubin. Because TMP-SMX does not provide adequate activity toward group A streptococcus, it should not be used if this pathogen is suspected (eg, infection associated with lymphangitis, concomitant streptococcal pharyngitis, erysipelas) or is grown upon culture.

Clindamycin is another antibiotic frequently recommended as an initial therapeutic option. Most CA-MRSA isolates are susceptible to clindamycin. However, it is important that inducible resistance be tested for when using clindamycin. Resistance may develop rapidly with clindamycin use, despite an initial sensitivity report indicating that the MRSA isolate is susceptible. Most, if not all, microbiology laboratories can utilize the disk diffusion method (D-zone test) to test for inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance. Clindamycin should not be used if the D-test is positive, which indicates inducible resistance. Clindamycin is a viable option for infants aged younger than 2 months with CA-MRSA infection. Clindamycin is available in liquid formation, although it is not particularly palatable. Parenthetically, many pharmacies are able to flavor liquid medication products with commercially available flavoring systems.

Vancomycin is generally considered the drug of choice for severe CA-MRSA infections. Although MRSA is usually sensitive to vancomycin, strains with intermediate susceptibility, or, more rarely, resistant strains have been reported.

Doxycycline, minocycline, linezolid and rifampin

Doxycycline and minocycline have been reported in a small number of adult case reports to be effective therapy for MRSA infection, including skin and soft tissue infections caused by CA-MRSA. As both of these agents are members of the tetracycline class, they should not be used in children aged younger than 9 years. No data are available for their use in children. Minocycline may rarely cause significant adverse effects.

Linezolid (Zyvox) is a unique antibiotic, a member of the oxazolidinone class. Linezolid provides good in vitro activity toward MRSA, although resistance has been reported. Data on its use and effectiveness in treating CA-MRSA are limited. As linezolid is FDA-labeled for use in newborn infants and older, this agent is an option for very young patients. Linezolid should not be used initially for mild CA-MRSA treatment as it is expensive and is limited by its adverse effect profile, including thrombocytopenia and peripheral neuropathy. Pyridoxine at a dosage of 50 mg daily may modify linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia. Linezolid can be used for serious infection and is equivalent in efficacy to vancomycin for serious MRSA infection. Linezolid is available in an oral liquid formulation and intravenous formulation.

An important theoretical but unproven beneficial effect of linezolid and clindamycin may be the ability of these agents to modify CA-MRSA toxin production. A case report published in 2005 (Micek) described four adults with severe respiratory CA-MRSA infection, in which all the isolates were positive for PVL. Three patients failed therapy with vancomycin but responded to linezolid or clindamycin. As linezolid and clindamycin both function to inhibit protein synthesis, this mechanism may be valuable in modifying exotoxin production.

Rifampin may possess good in vitro activity toward CA-MRSA. Case reports have been published describing the use of rifampin in combination with another antibiotic, such as TMP-SMX, clindamycin, or doxycycline/minocycline. There are no data documenting increased efficacy by adding rifampin compared with single drug therapy. Rifampin should not be used as monotherapy as resistance may develop rapidly. As rifampin is a potent hepatic drug metabolizing enzyme inducer, the potential for drug-drug interactions should be considered when it is employed.

Conclusion

Culture and susceptibility studies should be obtained in all patients with suspected CA-MRSA infection. Incision and drainage is helpful, and it may be sufficient alone without antibiotics in mild cases. In children with mild-moderate illness (eg, febrile, systemic symptoms), it is appropriate to add systemic antibiotic therapy. TMP-SMX, doxycycline/minocycline or clindamycin are reasonable antibiotics to use empirically, prior to susceptibility study results. However, if local or regional CA-MRSA susceptibility data indicate that resistance to clindamycin is greater than 15%, it has been recommended to avoid using clindamycin empirically. Treatment for severe illness should include vancomycin or linezolid. Clindamycin may be used empirically if local resistance patterns are low. Some evidence suggests that therapy with linezolid or clindamycin may be beneficial in PVL-positive CA-MRSA infection. Consideration may be given to adding rifampin or gentamicin to vancomycin for serious illness. When using vancomycin empirically, it is appropriate to initially prescribe nafcillin or oxacillin additionally, as these agents provide more rapid bactericidal action toward methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. Nasal application of mupirocin may be beneficial in some patients to prevent recurrence of infection. However, it is likely that recolonization will occur shortly.

For more information:

  • Edward A. Bell, PharmD, BCPS, is a Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Drake University College of Pharmacy and a Clinical Specialist at Blank Children’s Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Lee MC. Management and outcome of children with skin and soft tissue abscesses caused by community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2004;23:123-127.
  • Mieck ST. Pleuropulmonary complications of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Chest. 2005;128:2732-2738.
  • Kaplan SL. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in children. Semin Pediatr Infect Dis. 2006;17:113-119.
  • Chen SF. Staphylococcus aureus decolonization. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2005;24:79-80.

Antibacterial therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in non-surgical wounds

Non-surgical wounds include chronic skin ulcers (such as bedsores or diabetic ulcers), burns and traumatic wounds. Methicillin-resistant (methicillin-resistant) Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be present in 7-30% of these wounds, and MRSA can spread into the bloodstream and cause life-threatening illness. In those wounds where MRSA is present, there may be symptoms of infection such as redness, pain, and pus. The presence of MRSA without signs of infection is called colonization. It is not clear whether antibiotics should be used for MRSA colonization in non-surgical wounds. It is also not clear which antibiotic should be used for wounds infected with MRSA. We tried to find this out by performing a thorough search of the medical literature for studies that compared different antibiotic treatments for non-surgical wounds infected or colonized with MRSA. We have included only randomized controlled trials because, if properly performed, they provide the best information. We included all relevant randomized controlled trials, regardless of their language, year of publication, and the number of people who participated in them. The two review authors independently identified trials and extracted relevant information from them to reduce the potential for error in the process.

We found three trials that provide some information on this topic. A total of 47 people with diabetic foot infections caused by MRSA were randomized into six groups with different antibiotic therapy (the choice of treatment is determined by a method similar to a coin toss). The only outcome reported was MRSA eradication. These trials did not report any other outcomes of relevance to patients and health care, such as death, quality of life, length of hospital stay, use of health care resources, and wound healing time. Each trial compared different antibiotics, and no difference was found in the effectiveness of antibiotics in eradicating MRSA in each comparison. The three trials were very small and had a number of design flaws, so it is still impossible to answer which antibiotic is most effective in eradicating MRSA from non-surgical wounds. Because there have been no trials comparing antibiotic use with no antibiotic therapy, we do not know if antibiotic use in general has an impact in people with MRSA-colonized non-surgical wounds. Further carefully designed randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the best treatment for non-surgical wounds colonized or infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

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Translation notes:

Translation: Xenia Shvyrkova. Editing: Yudina Ekaterina Viktorovna. Project coordination for translation into Russian: Cochrane Russia – Cochrane Russia (branch of the Northern Cochrane Center on the basis of Kazan Federal University). For questions related to this translation, please contact us at: [email protected]; [email protected]

Vancomycin

Glycopeptides are a group of antibiotics with bactericidal activity against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria. They are used in severe infections caused by multiresistant gram-positive cocci, including MRSA, enterococci, and penicillin-resistant pneumococci. One of the drugs in this group is vancomycin, an antibiotic of reserve.

Synonyms Russian

Vancomycin, glycopeptide, tricyclic glycopeptide, antibiotic.

Synonyms English

Vancomycin.

Test method

High performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Units

µg/mL (micrograms per milliliter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

  • Children under 1 year of age do not eat for 30-40 minutes before the test.
  • Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the study, you can drink pure non-carbonated water.
  • Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

Study summary

Vancomycin has traditionally been used as a first-line treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and infection with other gram-positive beta-lactam bacteria, which are a common etiology of severe infections. Vancomycin has been available for clinical use for a long time, but soon after its discovery it was abandoned in favor of other antibiotics that were considered more effective and less toxic. The emergence of pseudomembranous enterocolitis, combined with the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has led to a resurgence in the use of vancomycin.

Vancomycin inhibits the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan in the cell walls of proliferating Gram-positive bacteria and, to a lesser extent, inhibits the synthesis of cytoplasmic RNA. It has a bactericidal effect, that is, it contributes to the destruction of a pathogenic microorganism. Measurement of serum vancomycin concentration can help prevent toxicity and ensure adequate therapeutic concentrations of the drug.

What is research used for?

  • To determine the concentration of the drug in the blood.
  • For the selection of an individual dosage of the drug.
  • To optimize treatment control by dose adjustment.
  • For evaluation of drug interactions.
  • For the diagnosis of overdose.
  • To detect violations of the drug regimen.
  • To prevent the toxic effects of the drug.

When is the examination scheduled?

  • When vancomycin is prescribed to treat infections susceptible to this drug.
  • If necessary, determine the concentration of the drug and monitor its fluctuations in the blood.
  • When the effectiveness of the drug used is insufficient and the issue of dose adjustment is decided.
  • When changing the dosage and dosage form of the drug.
  • If drug overdose is suspected.

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 10 – 40 µg/ml.

Therapeutic concentration is 10-40 µg/ml. The results of the study are evaluated by the attending physician, taking into account the dose of vancomycin, the regimen of its administration, the age of the patient, comorbidities and individual tolerability of the drug.

What can influence the result?

Serum concentrations of vancomycin may vary in patients with renal insufficiency, in patients over 60 years of age.

Important notes

  • Plasma concentrations of vancomycin should be monitored when used in neonates.
  • When used in elderly patients, it is necessary to control the concentration of vancomycin in the blood plasma.
  • During treatment, patients with kidney disease and / or damage to the VIII pair of cranial nerves should be monitored for kidney function, hearing.

Who orders the examination?

Therapist, clinical pharmacologist, gastroenterologist, surgeon, pulmonologist, cardiologist.

Literature

  • Álvarez R, López Cortés LE, Molina J, Cisneros JM, Pachón J. Optimizing the Clinical Use of Vancomycin. Antimicrobial Agents Chemother. 2016 Apr 22;60(5):2601-9. doi: 10.1128/AAC.03147-14. PMID: 26856841; PMCID: PMC4862470.
  • Donald P. Levine, Vancomycin: A History, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 42, Issue Supplement_1, January 2006, Pages S5 – S12, https://doi.