vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

bacterium

Also known as: VRSA

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July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is a strain of bacteria that has developed resistance to vancomycin, an antibiotic often used as a last resort for treating S. aureus infections. Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as "staph," is a spherical bacterium found on human skin and mucous membranes. While often harmless, it can cause a range of infections, from skin conditions like boils and impetigo to more severe issues such as pneumonia, sepsis, and toxic shock syndrome.123

The development of antibiotic resistance in S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is a significant public health concern. The overuse of antibiotics, including vancomycin, has driven the emergence of VRSA, making infections difficult to treat. Preventing the spread of these resistant bacteria relies on good hygiene practices, such as thorough handwashing.132

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MRSA
Treatment
aureus (VRSA), against which few agents are effective. In addition, the use of teicoplanin, an antibiotic derived from vancomycin, has given rise to teicoplanin-resistant MRSA strains. There are other agents available to treat MRSA infection, though many have limited therapeutic benefit, primarily because of severe side…
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aureus (VRSA), against which few agents are effective. In addition, the use of teicoplanin, an antibiotic derived from vancomycin, has given rise to teicoplanin-resistant MRSA strains. There are other agents available to treat MRSA infection, though many have limited therapeutic benefit, primarily because of severe side…
Read More

staphylococcus
…led to the emergence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), against which few agents are effective. In 2005 in the United States, deaths from MRSA (approximately 18,000) surpassed deaths from HIV/AIDS (approximately 17,000). While the rate of MRSA bloodstream infections in the United States slowed in the following years, the organism…
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…led to the emergence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), against which few agents are effective. In 2005 in the United States, deaths from MRSA (approximately 18,000) surpassed deaths from HIV/AIDS (approximately 17,000). While the rate of MRSA bloodstream infections in the United States slowed in the following years, the organism…
Read More