The Sound of Evolution
Vancomycin
Mechanism of action:
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic. Vancomycin binds with high affinity to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan precursors, blocking transglycosylation and indirectly inhibiting transpeptidation. As a result, the cell wall cannot form properly, leading to structural instability, osmotic imbalance, and eventual bacterial lysis and death.
Reference(s):
1. Levine DP et al. (2006). Vancomycin: a history. Clin Infect Dis.
2. Small PM et al. (1990). Vancomycin for Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis in intravenous drug users. Antimicrob Agents Chemother.
3. Gonzalez C et al. (1999). Bacteremic pneumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus: A comparison of disease caused by methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible organisms. Clin Infect Dis.