What is a vancomycin intermediate staphylococcus aureus infection?
• Vancomycin intermediate staphylococcus (staf-i-lo-KOK-us) aureus (VISA) infection is a condition caused by bacteria (germs). This infection occurs when bacteria, called Staphylococcus aureus or Staph, becomes resistant (not killed) to the antibiotic medicine vancomycin. The Staph bacteria are commonly found on the skin and in the nose. A person may carry the Staph bacteria but not get infected or sick. When Staph causes an infection, such as pimples or boils, mild antibiotics can easily kill them. Caregivers usually give vancomycin only after the mild antibiotics do not work. • With VISA infection, the wrong or frequent use of vancomycin causes the Staph bacteria to become resistant. You may need a higher dose of vancomycin to stop the growth of Staph. This is usually 4 to 8 times the minimum amount needed. Since vancomycin may no longer be effective, VISA may cause severe infections in the body. These may include infections of the skin, blood, lungs, heart, and brain. With proper tr
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- What is a vancomycin intermediate staphylococcus aureus infection?
- What is vancomycin resistant staphylococcus aureus infection?
