Which antibiotic is typically avoided in treating infections caused by anaerobes?

Vancomycin is typically avoided in treating infections caused by anaerobes primarily because it is specifically designed to target gram-positive bacteria, particularly those with resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Anaerobes, on the other hand, often belong to a group of bacteria that do not respond well to vancomycin due to their distinct cell wall structure and metabolic pathways. While vancomycin is effective against certain gram-positive pathogens, it lacks activity against many anaerobes.

In the context of treating anaerobic infections, antibiotics like penicillin, tetracycline, and cephalosporins are more commonly used, as they demonstrate better efficacy against this group of bacteria. Penicillin is particularly effective against a wide range of anaerobes, and certain cephalosporins can also have anaerobic coverage, especially the later generations. Tetracycline can be effective as well, providing options for treating infections caused by anaerobes. Thus, vancomycin is not the preferred choice for these types of infections.