Linezolid

Linezolid is a synthetic oxazolidinone antibiotic that treats serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including strains resistant to several other antibiotics.

Bacterial ribosome: A cellular complex that translates messenger RNA into proteins in bacteria. Linezolid binds the 50S subunit within this protein-making complex.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A strain of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin and related beta-lactam antibiotics. Linezolid is an option for serious infections caused by this resistant pathogen.
Vancomycin: A glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. It is a common alternative for resistant Gram-positive infections, but requires intravenous dosing for systemic disease.
Oxazolidinone: A class of synthetic compounds containing a five-membered ring with oxygen and nitrogen. Linezolid was the first oxazolidinone antibiotic approved for clinical use.
Linezolid resistance: Reduced susceptibility of bacteria to linezolid, often caused by changes to its ribosomal target or protective mechanisms. Resistance can undermine treatment, particularly where linezolid use is frequent.
50S ribosomal subunit: The larger subunit of bacterial ribosomes, responsible for key steps in protein synthesis. Linezolid binds its 23S ribosomal RNA and disrupts translation initiation.
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus: Enterococcus bacteria that resist vancomycin, an antibiotic often used against serious Gram-positive infections. Linezolid can treat infections caused by susceptible strains.
Daptomycin: A cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic that disrupts bacterial cell membranes. It treats several resistant Gram-positive infections but is not used for pneumonia.
DuPont: An American chemical company that developed materials, chemicals, and medicines. Researchers at DuPont discovered the oxazolidinone class that led to linezolid.
23S ribosomal RNA mutation: A genetic change in bacterial 23S ribosomal RNA that can alter ribosome function or antibiotic binding. Mutations at linezolid’s binding site are one route to resistance.

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