Final answer:
Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including strains resistant to other antibiotics, such as MRSA. The rise of vancomycin-resistant bacteria has necessitated careful use and management of this drug.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vancomycin is an antibiotic drug that is used to treat various infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. It is considered a last line of defense against infections that are resistant to other antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Vancomycin works by inhibiting cell wall biosynthesis, preventing the incorporation of cell wall subunits into the peptidoglycan structure. It is particularly effective against bacteria like enterococci and S. aureus.