Antibiotic methods and compositions for bacteria infections

Compositions and methods are provided for treating or inhibiting a bacterial infection involving at least one antibiotic and a compound that potentiates the antibiotic activity of the antibiotic. In certain embodiments the antibiotic is a beta lactam. In further embodiments, the antibiotic is oxacillin. In additional embodiments, the potentiating compound is an inhibitor of vraSR operon expression. In specific embodiments, the bacterial infection involves an antibiotic-resistant bacteria.