What is the mechanism of action of vancomycin?

Vancomycin's mechanism of action involves inhibiting cell wall synthesis, which is fundamental to its effectiveness as an antibiotic. It targets the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls, particularly in Gram-positive bacteria. By binding to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursor units, vancomycin prevents the cross-linking of these peptidoglycan chains. This action disrupts the structural integrity of the cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death, especially in bacteria that are actively dividing and growing.

This mechanism is significant because it distinguishes vancomycin as one of the key treatments for infections caused by Gram-positive organisms, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Understanding this mechanism highlights the drug's importance in clinical settings, particularly in severe or resistant infections where cell wall synthesis inhibition is critical for bacterial eradication.