Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp

Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) are the main agents of nosocomial infections. The antimicrobial resistance of these microorganisms has increased worldwide, justified by the selective pressure caused by the use of broad spectrum antibiotics. The prophylactic antibioticotherapy is also a concerning factor, because it increases the risk of infection, and difficult its management. Most staphylococci are resistant to penicillin, methicillin and actually reports of vancomycin resistance are found in the literature, and the resistance mechanisms are identical in S. aureus and CoNS. Detection of oxacillin resistant staphylococci is important to guide therapies and also to avoid use of vancomycin, which is an antimicrobial agent with therapeutic complications, and can lead to selection of resistant strains. This review aims to describe important points of the resistance to antibiotics in Staphylococcus spp., regarding the therapies and laboratorial aspects.