Which class of antibiotics is primarily used for treating Staphylococcus aureus?

The class of antibiotics primarily used for treating Staphylococcus aureus is beta-lactams, particularly because this class includes penicillins, cephalosporins, and other related drugs that are effective against many strains of this bacterium. Staphylococcus aureus is known to cause a wide range of infections, and beta-lactams, such as methicillin and oxacillin, are often the first-line treatments for infections caused by methicillin-sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).

These antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is crucial for the bacteria's growth and survival. The effectiveness of beta-lactams against MSSA is well established, making them the preferred choice in many clinical scenarios where Staphylococcus aureus infections are suspected or confirmed.

While macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems also have their uses in treating various bacterial infections, they are not typically the first-line agents for uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus infections, particularly the MSSA strain. Macrolides are more commonly used for atypical infections, fluoroquinolones have broader indications but are not the first choice for Staphylococcus aureus specifically, and carbapenems are usually