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Molecular epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant enterococci: a 2-year perspective
V Stosor1, J Kruszynski, T Suriano
1Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|October 26, 1999
Summary
The vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) epidemic is polyclonal, with complex transmission patterns. Most nosocomial infections occur in small "mini-clusters" rather than large outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Healthcare Epidemiology
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Understanding VRE transmission is crucial for effective infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of VRE at a tertiary-care medical center.
- To identify strain clonality and transmission patterns of VRE.
Main Methods:
- Molecular strain typing of VRE isolates using restriction endonuclease analysis (REA).
- Analysis of clinical and surveillance VRE isolates from 1995-1996.
- Involved a university-affiliated hospital and a rehabilitation facility.
Main Results:
- 379 VRE isolates from 197 patients were analyzed.
- Thirty-three distinct VRE genotypes were identified.
- Fifteen genotypes were linked to 29 potential nosocomial transmissions, including three major clusters across multiple units and facilities.
Conclusions:
- The VRE epidemic at this medical center is polyclonal.
- VRE transmission patterns are complex, often involving small patient clusters ('mini-clusters').
- Findings highlight the need for targeted infection control strategies to manage VRE spread.