VISA is a subtype of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus characterized by reduced susceptibility to vancomycin [1][3]. It represents a specific resistant phenotype within the broader S. aureus species [1].
Disease overview
BacterialVancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus infection
万古霉素中介金黄色葡萄球菌感染
Follow this disease Compare countries Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) is a rare antimicrobial-resistant form of S. aureus with reduced vancomycin susceptibility [1]. Its infections can present with skin, wound, bloodstream, or other staphylococcal disease manifestations [1][2][3]. Reported occurrence includes increasing incidence trends and elevated burden among bacteraemic patients [2][3].
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VISA infections resemble other staphylococcal illnesses and may appear as skin lesions, boils, wound infections, or bloodstream involvement [1][2][3]. Manifestations are clinically similar to methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections at sterile sites [2].
Vancomycin resistance in S. aureus is exceptionally rare overall [1]. A retrospective cohort identified 87 VISA sterile-site infections among 354 MRSA or VISA cases from 2009 to 2015, with no excess mortality versus non-VISA S. aureus [2]. A meta-analysis of MRSA isolates reported heterogeneous VISA prevalence around 6% globally, higher in bacteraemic patients (9.4%) than other infections (5.5%), with an increasing trend [3].
Resistant S. aureus can spread through close physical contact or contact with contaminated wound material, especially in healthcare environments [1]. Documented transmission of VRSA has not occurred in the U.S., but VISA may potentially spread by similar routes as MRSA [1].
Hand hygiene and adherence to core healthcare infection-control precautions, including glove use before and after contact with infectious substances, reduce spread [1]. Caregivers, visitors, and providers with close contact to hospital patients should follow these practices [1]. Avoiding contact with wounds or contaminated materials further limits transmission [1].
- 1 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus | S. aureus | CDC [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/staphylococcus-aureus/about/vancomycin-resistant-staph.html
- 2 Burnham JP et al. Impact of Time to Appropriate Therapy on Mortality in Patients with Vancomycin-Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2016 Sep. PMID: 27401565. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00925-16. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27401565/
- 3 Keikha M et al. Global distribution of heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus strains (1997-2021): a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Antimicrob Resist. 2024 Jun. PMID: 38336227. doi: 10.1016/j.jgar.2024.02.002. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38336227/
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