Which generation of cephalosporins is effective against MRSA?

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Multiple Choice

Which generation of cephalosporins is effective against MRSA?

MRSA resists many beta-lactams because it uses PBP2a, a penicillin-binding protein with very low affinity for most cephalosporins. The fifth generation of cephalosporins was designed to overcome this exact mechanism. They retain strong activity against MRSA by binding PBP2a effectively (for example, ceftaroline), while still covering many common Gram-positives and some Gram-negatives. The earlier generations do not bind PBP2a well and therefore don’t reliably treat MRSA infections. That’s why the fifth generation is the one with MRSA activity.

MRSA resists many beta-lactams because it uses PBP2a, a penicillin-binding protein with very low affinity for most cephalosporins. The fifth generation of cephalosporins was designed to overcome this exact mechanism. They retain strong activity against MRSA by binding PBP2a effectively (for example, ceftaroline), while still covering many common Gram-positives and some Gram-negatives. The earlier generations do not bind PBP2a well and therefore don’t reliably treat MRSA infections. That’s why the fifth generation is the one with MRSA activity.

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