Staphylococcus aureus in lower respiratory infections: clinical relevance of antimicrobial resistance.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of nosocomial infections and is responsible for many community-acquired infections. Of concern is the increase in resistance to oxacillin (methicillin), with rates as high as 60% in some countries and in some intensive care units. Most of these strains are resistant to other antibacterials. Lately, strains with reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides have been reported. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company