vancomycin

[ vang-kuh-mahy-sin, van- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a bactericidal antibiotic, C 66 H 75 ClN 9 O 24 , produced by Streptomyces orientalis, used in the treatment of antibiotic-associated colitis and endocarditis.

vancomycin

/ ˌvænkəʊˈmaɪsɪn /

noun

1. an antibiotic effective against most Gram-positive organisms. It is given by intravenous infusions for serious infections that are resistant to other antibiotics

Word History and Origins

Origin of vancomycin¹

First recorded in 1956; vanco- (of unexplained origin) + -mycin

Example Sentences

"In fact, the prevailing view has been that antibiotic resistance to these strains are unlikely to impact clinical outcomes, given the high concentrations of vancomycin in stools."

From Science Daily

They observed that mutants that lacked both the Bam and TamAB complexes were sensitive to vancomycin.

From Science Daily

The system was still able to detect vancomycin.

From Science Daily

It also makes vancomycin, an antibiotic administered to fight severe infections, and muscle blockers including succinylcholine, also used in surgery.

From New York Times

Daptomycin treats bacterial skin infections in both children and adults, handling infections such as Staphylococcus, three types of Streptococcus, and isolates of Enterococcus vulnerable to the antibiotic vancomycin.

From Washington Times