Research is focussing on the resistance mechanisms of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and their impact on the treatment of infections in humans. The bacterium has three main resistance mechanisms: the sinthesis of β-lactamases, the modification of target sites by the mecA gene, which codes for the modified protein PBP2a, and the formation of a biofilm as a protective structure. These mechanisms provide remarkable adaptability and survival even in the presence of reserve antibiotics such as vancomycin and linezolid, so that therapies are often protracted and ineffective. A particular clinical challenge is posed by MRSA strains, which are associated with a four-fold increase in mortality and prolongation of hospitalisation by more than ten days, leading to a greater financial burden on the healthcare system and allowing horizontal transfer of resistance genes, resulting in infections that are often chronic and difficult to control. As the development of new antibiotics alone is not sufficient, combined approaches are becoming increasingly important, with adjuvant therapy, immunotherapy and advanced targeted delivery systems playing an important role as they provide more effective treatment and reduce the risk of further resistance development. The results confirm that Staphylococcus aureus resistance significantly affects treatment outcomes and emphasises the urgent need to develop new therapeutic approaches.
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