Journal of Diagnostics Concepts & Practice >

2026 , Vol. 25 >Issue 03: 361 - 369

DOI: https://doi.org/10.16150/j.1671-2870.2026.03.013

Review articles

Research progress on antibacterial strategies against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

  • LI Mengna ,
  • LU Lihua ,
  • HONG Yelan ,
  • WU Yong
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  • 1 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
    2 Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changsha First Hospital (Affiliated Changsha Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University), Changsha 410005, China
    3 Postgraduate Cooperative Training Base of Changsha First Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Changsha 410005, China

Received date: 2025-09-26

  Revised date: 2026-05-04

  Accepted date: 2026-05-06

  Online published: 2026-06-27

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Abstract

The in-hospital mortality rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can reach 20%-30%, which has attracted global attention. However, the clinical treatment options for MRSA infections are still very limited. The drug resistance mechanisms of MRSA can be divided into intrinsic and acquired types. Intrinsic drug resistance is mainly achieved through the secretion of β-lactamase and the activation of efflux pumps. MRSA can acquire drug resistance through gene mutations or plasmid transformation involving drug-resistant genes. Additionally, the formation of biofilms and the emergence of small colony variants are also important mechanisms for acquired drug resistance. In clinical practice, traditional antibiotics are still the main approach for treating MRSA bacteremia. As MRSA tolerance to traditional antibiotics gradually increases, research on new therapeutic methods has also made great progress. Among these, quorum-sensing system (QS) inhibitors, antimicrobial peptides, small-molecule compounds, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, phage therapy, and combination therapy have shown great potential in the treatment of MRSA infections. These novel approaches not only provide more effective, low-toxicity, and sustainable solutions for clinical practice but also offer new ideas for the exploration of new antibiotics with mechanisms of action different from those of traditional antibiotics.

Key words： Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Drug resistance mechanism; β-lactamase

Cite this article

LI Mengna , LU Lihua , HONG Yelan , WU Yong . Research progress on antibacterial strategies against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus[J]. Journal of Diagnostics Concepts & Practice, 2026 , 25(03) : 361 -369 . DOI: 10.16150/j.1671-2870.2026.03.013

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