What type of bacterial infection is commonly treated with vancomycin?

Vancomycin is primarily used to treat Gram-positive bacterial infections. It is particularly effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other resistant Gram-positive strains. The mechanism of action of vancomycin involves inhibiting cell wall synthesis, which makes it effective against bacteria that are susceptible to its activity.

In clinical practice, vancomycin is often employed for serious infections caused by Gram-positive organisms, especially in situations where first-line beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporins are ineffective due to resistance. This is why it is commonly used in cases of skin and soft tissue infections, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Moreover, the other categories of infections listed—Gram-negative infections, fungal infections, and viral infections—are not effectively treated with vancomycin. Gram-negative bacteria require different classes of antibiotics, fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications, and viral infections necessitate antiviral therapies. Thus, the choice of vancomycin for treating Gram-positive infections highlights its critical role in managing antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical settings.