Gram (+) cocci pose a global threat to human health due to the emergence of resistance to antibiotics. Linezolid has a broad spectrum of activity against a variety of pathogenic Gram (+) microorganisms, such as MRSA, VRS, and VRE. However, the emergence of strains resistant to linezolid (LIN-R) and horizontal spread of resistance linked to thecfrgene, have been increasingly reported after approval of its clinical use.
Although the prevalence of linezolid resistance remains low, the emergence of LIN-R strains is still of great concern. Today, linezolid sensitivity in Gram (+) clinical specimens is primarily monitored by surveillance programs in Europe and in the United States. Clinical isolates for surveillance of LIN-R strains include swabs from the nose (for screening ofStaphylococcus), perianal and rectal areas (for screening ofEnterococcus).
CHROMagar™ LIN-R is a chromogenic screening medium for the detection, isolation and differentiation of strains ofStaphylococcusandEnterococcusresistant to linezolid.
