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Article: An emerging superbug: Staphylococcus aureus becomes less susceptible to vancomycin.(Cover Story)
- Article from:
- Medical Laboratory Observer
- Article date:
- January 1, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1998 Nelson Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Staphylococcus aureus becomes less susceptible to vancomycin
The name Staphylococcus aureus comes from the Greek, staphyle (a bunch of grapes), kokkos (berry shaped), and aureus (golden). Morphologically, the pathogen resembles grapelike clusters of gram-positive cocci. The illustration here shows the bacteria infecting nasal epithelial tissue, and causing cell damage and inflammation. S. aureus has been knocking down our antibiotic defenses one by one, with some strains becoming dangerously less susceptible to vancomycin. Epidemiologists warn that these strains are coming soon to a hospital near you; be prepared by knowing how to identify the bug, notify infection ...