Prevention and treatment of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Despite significant efforts spanning more than 50 years, Staphylococcus aureus remains one of the most important bacterial pathogens globally.l It is likelythat most pharmacists, wherever their area of practice, will beinvolved in the management of S. aureus infections in some way. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of S. aureus has complicated their management. Drug-resistant strains now account for a significant proportion of nosocomial (acquired in hospital) infections in Australia, especially in the eastern states.' and the incidence in the community is lncreasinq.' In this article, we review the recent evidence relating to agents used in the control and treatment of infections caused bydrug-resistant S. sureus, and the impl ications for pharmacists in their dailypractice.