What is the preferred antibiotic for treating enterococci infections?

Vancomycin is the preferred antibiotic for treating enterococci infections due to its effectiveness against resistant strains, particularly Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. Enterococci are known to possess intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics, making treatment options more limited. Vancomycin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, which is crucial for bacterial growth and replication.

In many cases, enterococci, especially Enterococcus faecium, have shown resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including aminoglycosides and penicillins. Vancomycin, however, is often effective against these resistant strains, especially in hospital settings where infections are more likely to involve resistant organisms.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the treatment guidelines from sources like the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), which advocate for the use of vancomycin in serious enterococcal infections, particularly in cases of endocarditis or other systemic infections.

The other antibiotic choices are not generally preferred for treating enterococci infections. Clindamycin is effective against certain gram-positive bacteria but lacks effectiveness against enterococci. Doxycycline may have some activity, but again, it is not the first line of treatment. Ciprofloxacin,