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High prevalence of VanB2 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in Taiwan
1Division of Clinical Pathology and Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, No. 325, Section 2, Chengkung Rd., Taipei 114, Taiwan, Republic of China. jjl@ndmctsgh.edu.tw
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|May 29, 2001
Summary
Glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains carrying the vanB gene were identified in Taiwan. Genetic analysis revealed novel vanB2 gene variations and a common pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type, suggesting widespread dissemination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Glycopeptide resistance in Enterococcus faecium is a significant public health concern.
- The vanB gene cluster confers resistance to vancomycin, a critical antibiotic.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and transmission of resistant strains is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the vanB gene cluster in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates from Taiwan.
- To investigate the genetic relatedness and dissemination patterns of these resistant strains within and between hospitals.
Main Methods:
- Long vanB PCR amplification of the vanB gene cluster (6,373 bp).
- DNA sequence analysis of the vanB2 gene and deduced amino acid sequences.
- Restriction enzyme analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for strain typing.
Main Results:
- All 36 isolates possessed the vanB gene cluster with high homology (95-98%) to vanB1.
- Novel variations in the vanB2 gene sequences were identified, with 31 isolates differing by one nucleotide.
- A prevalent PFGE type (Type I) was observed across multiple hospitals, indicating successful dissemination.
Conclusions:
- The study identified novel genetic variants of the vanB2 gene in Enterococcus faecium isolates in Taiwan.
- The prevalence of a single PFGE type suggests significant intra- and interhospital transmission of this resistant strain.
- These findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and infection control measures against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.