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Vancomycin-resistant enterococci in neonates
1Department of Clinical Bacteriology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) fecal colonization was found in 8 neonates in the NICU. Risk factors like low birth weight and antibiotic use were associated with VRE carriage in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat due to fecal-oral transmission.
- Nosocomial VRE epidemics are a growing concern, particularly in vulnerable populations like neonates.
- Understanding VRE colonization in neonates is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of fecal VRE colonization in neonates within a hospital setting.
- To identify factors associated with VRE carriage in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients.
Main Methods:
- Rectal swab specimens were collected from 110 neonates in the NICU and 42 healthy neonates on the obstetrics ward.
- VRE presence and antimicrobial susceptibility (vancomycin, teicoplanin) were determined using Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs).
Main Results:
- VRE was detected in 8 neonates (7.3%) in the NICU, with MICs indicating resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin.
- No VRE colonization was found in the healthy neonates on the obstetrics ward (p < 0.05).
- All VRE-positive neonates had known risk factors, including low birth weight and prolonged antibiotic therapy.
Conclusions:
- Neonates in the NICU exhibit a notable incidence of VRE fecal colonization.
- Low birth weight and extended antibiotic treatment are significant risk factors for VRE carriage in neonates.
- Implementing targeted infection control strategies is essential to prevent VRE transmission in NICU settings.