Comparison of Telavancin and Vancomycin for Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections With a Focus on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients must have a diagnosis of one of the following complicated skin and skin structure infections with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) either suspected or confirmed as the major cause of the infection: * major abscess requiring surgical incision and drainage * infected burn (see exclusion criteria for important qualifications) * deep/extensive cellulitis * infected ulcer (see exclusion criteria for important qualifications) * wound infections * Patients must be expected to require at least 7 days of intravenous antibiotic treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Received more than 24 hours of potentially effective systemic (IV, IM or PO) antibiotic therapy prior to randomization * Burns involving \> 20% of body surface area or third-degree/full-thickness in nature, diabetic foot ulcers, ischemic ulcers/wounds, necrotizing fascitis, gas gangrene, or mediastinitis.