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
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National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases (NCPDCID)
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Related Guidelines
- Management of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Healthcare Settings, 2006
PDF 235KB / 73 pages - Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings - 2002
- Isolation Precaution 2007
Related Resources
- M.A.S.T.E.R.
Multi-Level Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Educational Resources