Description
In the last decade the importance of Gram positive bacteria in hospital acquired infection has increased dramatically. In a series of 2518 positive blood cultures from patients with hospital acquired infection, Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 488 (19%), coagulase negative staphylococci 181 (8%) and enterococci 106 (4%). Multiple antibiotic resistance in these pathogens has resulted in an explosion in the use of the glycopeptides, vancomycin and teicoplanin, particularly in intensive care and leukaemic wards.
