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Enterococcal glycopeptide resistance at an Italian teaching hospital
M Bonadio1, M Meini, E Tagliaferri
1Insegnamento di Malattie Infettive, Università di Pisa, Ospedale S. Chiara, Italy. m.bonadio@int.med.unipi.it
Abstract:
Two thousand one hundred and thirteen strains of enterococci isolated at Pisa General Hospital in 1998 were analysed retrospectively to determine their glycopeptide resistance. Of all the microorganisms isolated in this period, 14.7% were enterococci (1405 Enterococcus faecalis, 19 Enterococcus faecium, six Enterococcus avium and 683 Enterococcus spp.). Two hundred and thirty (10.8%) of these enterococci were resistant or demonstrated reduced susceptibility to vancomycin and/or teicoplanin. The highest rate of resistance was found in outpatient enterococcal strains isolated from the urogenital tract. The frequency of enterococcal glycopeptide resistance at Pisa Hospital is higher than that reported from other areas of Italy.
Insights
Glycopeptide resistance in enterococci (e.g., vancomycin resistance) is a growing concern. This study found a high rate of resistance in enterococci from Pisa General Hospital, particularly in urogenital tract isolates.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Enterococci are significant nosocomial pathogens.
- Glycopeptide antibiotics (vancomycin, teicoplanin) are crucial for treating serious enterococcal infections.
- Increasing rates of glycopeptide resistance in enterococci pose a therapeutic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the prevalence of glycopeptide resistance in enterococci strains.
- To identify specific enterococcal species and sources associated with resistance.
- To compare resistance rates with other Italian regions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2,113 enterococcal strains isolated at Pisa General Hospital in 1998.
- Determination of resistance or reduced susceptibility to vancomycin and/or teicoplanin.
- Categorization of strains by species and isolation source (e.g., urogenital tract).
Main Results:
- Enterococci constituted 14.7% of all microorganisms isolated.
- 230 strains (10.8%) exhibited resistance or reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides.
- The highest resistance rates were observed in outpatient enterococcal strains from the urogenital tract.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of enterococcal glycopeptide resistance at Pisa Hospital is notably high.
- Urogenital tract isolates, particularly from outpatients, show a higher propensity for resistance.
- These findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control measures.