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Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus in New Zealand in 1999

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

Staphylococcus aureus is a virulent pathogen that commonly causes community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections. The increased prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is causing a major public health problem in many countries. With many MRSA strains, vancomycin is the only effective antimicrobial agent. The recent emergence of vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus has raised fears about untreatable staphylococcal infections.

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