Vancomycin-resistant organisms on a burn unit

The incidence of infections due to vancomycin-resistant organisms has significantly increased during the past several years. This is important because vancomycin has been the drug of choice for treatment of infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Enterococci resistant to vancomycin are now emerging, and MRSA organisms with intermediate resistance to vancomycin have been identified in some centers. Cross transfer of resistance will eventually lead to the widespread development of organisms that are more difficult to eradicate. In our burn unit, we have encountered six patients (five with burns, one with necrotizing fasciitis) who had wound infections with vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Four patients died, and two recovered after prolonged hospital stays. Attempts to limit development of vancomycin-resistant enterococci are important.