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Host specificity of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium
R J Willems1, J Top, N van Den Braak
1Research Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. rob.willems@rivm.nl
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 19, 2000
Summary
Genetic analysis of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) reveals distinct strains in different populations. Hospitalized patient VREF strains are genetically different from those found in non-hospitalized individuals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Understanding VREF transmission and genetic diversity is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relationships among VREF strains from diverse sources.
- To determine if VREF strains exhibit host specificity.
Main Methods:
- Amplified-fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was employed.
- Genetic profiles of 255 VREF isolates from humans (hospitalized and non-hospitalized) and animals were compared.
Main Results:
- Four major AFLP genogroups (A-D) were identified, indicating genetic clustering.
- VREF strains showed predominant host specificity, with distinct groupings for different sources.
- Isolates from hospitalized patients were genetically distinct from those of non-hospitalized persons.
Conclusions:
- VREF strains exhibit significant host specificity.
- Hospital-acquired VREF strains are genetically divergent from community-associated strains.
- This genetic differentiation has implications for infection control and public health surveillance.