More Problems with Pneumococcus: Vancomycin Tolerance

Abstract

Resistance to β-lactam antibiotics among Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing problem. Although vancomycin resistance has not been reported, pneumococci have recently been reported that exhibit vancomycin tolerance: The drug inhibits their growth, but fewer die. Tolerance is thought to reflect impaired bacterial autolysis. The prevalence of vancomycin-tolerant pneumococci in …