Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci: emerging problems and new prospects for management

• Published in: Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore Vol. 30; no. 3; pp. 320 - 331
• Main Author: Noskin, G A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore 01.05.2001
• Subjects: Acetamides - therapeutic use; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Enterococcus - drug effects; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - drug therapy; Humans; Linezolid; Methicillin Resistance; Oxazolidinones - therapeutic use; Staphylococcal Infections - drug therapy; Staphylococcus aureus - drug effects; Vancomycin Resistance; Virginiamycin - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0304-4602

Infections due to multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria are a growing worldwide problem, particularly among seriously ill patients. A number of studies have demonstrated that patients infected with either methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are at higher risk for mortality and medical resource expenditures. A non-systematic evidence-based review of linezolid, the first commercially available oxazolidinone, and quinupristin/dalfopristin, the first injectable streptogramin, for management of these multidrug-resistant infections was conducted. As infections due to VRE increase and vancomycin-insensitive MRSA emerge, vancomycin is becoming less effective for managing Gram-positive infections. Preclinical comparative studies demonstrated that linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin are highly effective in eradicating both susceptible and resistant staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci. Clinical experience, including phase III and compassionate-use data, with these newer agents in the treatment of MRSA and VRE infections are discussed. The clinical experiences thus far with linezolid and quinupristin/dalfopristin for MRSA and VRE infections have demonstrated efficacy, making these agents important additions to the limited number of therapeutic alternatives for Gram-positive infections.