Staphylococcus aureus is a virulent pathogen that is currently a major caus
e of community-acquired infections, as well as infections in hospitalized p
atients. Morbidity and mortality due to S. aureus infections, such as sepsi
s, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and infective endocarditis, remain high
despite the use of newer antibiotics. Of major concern, methicillin resista
nce in S. aureus isolates has increased dramatically worldwide, especially
among nosocomial isolates; this phenotype may be associated with resistance
to other antistaphylococcal compounds, including vancomycin. This increase
in prevalence of multiantibiotic resistance in S. aureus is a major public
health concern. Currently, there is an intense focus on the development of
novel vaccines for the prevention of S. aureus infections in high-risk pop
ulations and on new antimicrobial classes for the therapy of established S.
aureus infections. (C) 2000 Prous Science. All rights reserved.