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Vancomycin

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic.

Chemical Formula: C₆₆H₇₆Cl₂N₈O₂₆

Other names: Lyphocin, Vancocyn

Layman's explanation: Vancomycin was developed over forty years ago in response to the increase in penicillin-resistant bacterial strains. This antibiotic is quite powerful and is only administered via injection, it is often considered as the last resort antibiotic. It was hoped that vancomycin would remain unresisted by bacteria, but, unfortunately, in 1987 vancomycin-resistant enterococci began to grow. Despite the resistance, vancomycin is still used today to treat severe infections in hospitalized patients. Inhibition of cell wall synthesis is the mechanism by which vancomycin prevents bacterial proliferation. The cell wall provides the mechanical support for the entire cell, without it, the cell cannot survive.

Keywords: glycopeptide, antibiotic, enterococci

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