What is a common initial treatment option for infants with suspected antibiotic resistance?

In cases of suspected antibiotic resistance in infants, vancomycin is a commonly utilized initial treatment option. This is primarily because vancomycin is effective against a range of gram-positive bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotic classes, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Infants may be particularly vulnerable to infections that involve resistant bacteria, so initiating treatment with a broad-spectrum agent like vancomycin helps cover these potential pathogens while waiting for culture results to guide further treatment.

Using vancomycin allows healthcare providers to quickly address serious infections often associated with antibiotic resistance, ensuring that the child has a better outcome while also minimizing the risk of complications that can arise from untreated bacterial infections.