16th May 2025

A patient presents with severe cellulitis, which has worsened despite a course of oral antibiotics provided by their GP, and you, as the medical SHO, are in the process of clerking the patient.

A patient presents with severe cellulitis, which has worsened despite a course of oral antibiotics provided by their GP, and you, as the medical SHO, are in the process of clerking the patient. They inform you that they are allergic to penicillin, having suffered previous anaphylaxis. Local trust guidelines advise the use of vancomycin in such cases. 

Vancomycin is an antibiotic with activity against gram positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. What is the mechanism of action of vancomycin?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.