Final answer:
The infection did not respond to oxacillin therapy because the bacterial isolate causing the infection was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Vancomycin was used as an alternative antibiotic therapy to treat MRSA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The infection did not respond to oxacillin therapy because the isolate of Staphylococcus aureus causing Barbara's wound infection was methicillin-resistant. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is resistant to many antibiotics, including oxacillin. The change in antibiotic therapy to vancomycin was necessary because vancomycin is effective against MRSA.