[Vancomycin-resistant enterococci in north-eastern Taiwan]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is a significant global health concern.
• VRE was first identified in Taiwan in 1995, primarily in the western regions.
• No VRE isolates had been reported in eastern Taiwan prior to this study.

Observation:

• Two cases of VRE urinary tract infections were diagnosed in northeastern Taiwan in late 1997 and early 1998.
• Both patients had undergone prolonged, multi-antibiotic treatments for other conditions.
• The VRE isolates demonstrated high-level vancomycin resistance (MIC >256 µg/mL) and carried the vanA gene.

Findings:

• The VRE isolates from the two patients were found to be of different DNA types, as determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
• Routine susceptibility testing indicated sensitivity to other common antimicrobial agents.
• Successful treatment outcomes were achieved for both patients, with no observed spread of VRE within the hospitals.

Implications:

• This report marks the first detection of VRE in northeastern Taiwan.
• The distinct genetic profiles of the VRE isolates suggest independent introductions rather than a common source outbreak.
• Continued surveillance is crucial to monitor the spread and evolution of VRE in Taiwan.