Drug of choice for treatment of infections caused by MRSA is :
**Core Concept**
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections require effective antimicrobial therapy to prevent complications. The drug of choice should have a broad spectrum of activity, including methicillin resistance, and be effective against biofilm-producing strains.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis in MRSA. It is the preferred treatment for severe MRSA infections, including bacteremia, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. Vancomycin is effective against MRSA due to its ability to bind to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursors, preventing the incorporation of these precursors into the bacterial cell wall. This leads to a rapid decrease in bacterial cell wall synthesis and ultimately, bacterial death.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis in MRSA. While it is effective against MRSA, it is not the first-line treatment for severe infections due to its potential for adverse effects and the need for monitoring.
**Option B:** Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic that has limited activity against MRSA. It may be used as part of a combination therapy, but it is not the preferred treatment for MRSA infections.
**Option C:** Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that has variable activity against MRSA. It may be used as an alternative treatment, but it is not the first-line choice for severe MRSA infections.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Vancomycin is often used in combination with other antibiotics, such as rifampin, to treat MRSA infections. This combination may be more effective than monotherapy due to the synergistic effects of the antibiotics.
**Correct Answer:** C. Clindamycin