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[Drug resistance of Enterococcus species isolated from the urogenital system]

J Aleksandrowicz1

  • 1Zakład Bakteriologii Klinicznej, Wojewódzki Szpital Zespolony w Gdańsku.

Medycyna Doswiadczalna I Mikrobiologia
|May 10, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Enterococci are increasingly problematic nosocomial pathogens, often exhibiting high-level resistance to antibiotics like penicillin and gentamicin. This study analyzed 92 strains, finding no vancomycin resistance but significant penicillin and aminoglycoside resistance in key species.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Context:

  • Enterococci, despite low intrinsic virulence, are significant hospital-acquired pathogens.
  • Increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, especially cephalosporins, correlates with their rise.
  • Multiple drug resistance, particularly high-level resistance (HLR) to penicillin and aminoglycosides, is a major concern.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Enterococcus strains isolated from the genito-urinary tract.
  • To determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for various antibiotics including penicillin, gentamicin, and vancomycin.
  • To identify Enterococcus species and assess their resistance profiles.

Summary:

  • 92 Enterococcus strains from the genito-urinary tract were analyzed.
  • Species identified included E. faecalis (72.8%), E. faecalis varians (9.8%), E. durans (7.6%), and E. faecium (9.8%).
  • No vancomycin resistance was observed. High-level penicillin resistance was found in 22.2% of E. faecium and 7.5% of E. faecalis. High-level resistance to both streptomycin and gentamicin was detected in varying percentages across species, notably in E. faecium (22.2%). Beta-lactamase production was absent.

Impact:

  • Highlights the significant prevalence of high-level antibiotic resistance in enterococci, complicating treatment options.
  • Underscores the need for vigilant antibiotic stewardship and resistance monitoring in healthcare settings.
  • Provides crucial data on resistance patterns for Enterococcus species, informing clinical decision-making and infection control strategies.

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