Vancomycin inhibits bacterial mucopeptide biosynthesis. Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that blocks bacterial cell wall biosynthesis at the level of peptidoglycan biosynthesis. It inhibits incorporation of terminal D-alanyl-D-alanine moieties of the NAM/NAG-peptides. It is effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Vancomycin also alters bacterial-cell-membrane permeability and RNA synthesis.
Vancomycin is indicated for the treatment of serious, life-threatening infections by Gram-positive bacteria that are unresponsive to other less-toxic antibiotics. In particular, vancomycin should not be used to treat methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus because it is inferior to penicillins such as nafcillin.
Vancomycin, from Streptomyces orientalis, is used for the treatment of serious or severe infections caused by susceptible strains of methicillin-resistant (β-lactam-resistant) staphylococci. It is used to block bacterial cell wall biosynthesis at the level of peptidoglycan biosynthesis. It is widely studied in cancer patients.