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VISA / VRSA: Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Laboratory Testing and Practices for VISA / VRSA

The following are important resources and publications pertaining to laboratory testing for VISA/VRSA.

Laboratory Testing Resources

• Laboratory Testing Algorithm. Updated: March 2009. A sample algorithm that highlights the recommended testing methodologies for detecting VISA/VRSA and actions based on these results.
• Frequently Asked Questions: Laboratory Detection of VISA/VRSA. Updated: April 2006. Questions and answers about susceptibility testing, screening, etc. of VISA/VRSA
• S.E.A.R.C.H. Confirmatory Reference Testing. A network of voluntary participants who have joined together to report the isolation of S. aureus with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin

Scientific Publications

• Cui L., et al. Cell Wall Thickening Is a Common Feature of Vancomycin Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. J Clin Microbiol. 2003;41: 5-14.
• Increasing resistance vancomycin and other glycopeptides in Staphylococcus aureus. EID Journal 2001
• Laboratory Capacity to Detect Antimicrobial Resistance. MMWR 2000

• Tenover FC, Lancaster MV, Hill BC, et al. Characterization of staphylococci with reduced susceptibilities to vancomycin and other glycopeptides. J Clin Microbiol 1998;36:1020-7. [Erratum, J Clin Microbiol;36:2167.]

Date last modified: March 4, 2009
Content source: 
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP)
National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases (NCPDCID)

 

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