Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2013 report

VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
13
CASES
4
STATES SINCE 2002
IN
THREAT LEVEL
CONCERNING
This bacteria is concerning, and careful monitoring
and prevention action are needed.
SOME STAPHYLOCOCCUS STRAINS ARE RESISTANT TO VANCOMYCIN
LEAVING FEW OR NO TREATMENT OPTIONS
Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacteria that is found on the skin. During medical procedures when patients require
catheters or ventilators or undergo surgical procedures, Staphylococcus aureus can enter the body and cause infections. When
Staphylococcus aureus becomes resistant to vancomycin, there are few treatment options available because vancomycin-resistant
S. aureus bacteria identified to date were also resistant to methicillin and other classes of antibiotics.
RESISTANCE OF CONCERN
In rare cases, CDC has identified Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to
vancomycin, the antibiotic most frequently used to treat serious S. aureus
infections.
PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT
A total of 13 cases of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) have
been identified in the United States since 2002.
VRSA infection continues to be a rare occurrence. A few existing factors seem to
predispose case patients to VRSA infection, including:
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Prior MRSA and enterococcal infections or colonization
Underlying conditions (such as chronic skin ulcers and diabetes)
Previous treatment with vancomycin
Vancomycin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Number of
cases
Cases per
100,000 U.S.
population
For more information about data methods and references, please see technical appendix.
Percentage
of all Genus
species cases
in U.S.
Number of
deaths
Deaths per
100,000 U.S.
population
13 N/A N/A 0 N/A