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Susceptibility patterns of enterococci causing infections
Serkan Oncu1, Metin Punar, Haluk Eraksoy
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey. serkanoncu@hotmail.com
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine
|January 24, 2004
Summary
Enterococci cause hospital infections. Newer fluoroquinolones show potent activity against resistant strains, suggesting their use in combination therapy for challenging enterococcal infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Enterococci are significant pathogens in hospital-acquired infections.
- Antibiotic resistance in enterococci complicates treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro activity of various antibiotics against clinical enterococcal isolates.
- To identify effective therapeutic options for infections caused by resistant enterococci.
Main Methods:
- Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for penicillin G, ampicillin, gentamicin, and several fluoroquinolones.
- Broth microdilution testing was performed on 103 enterococcal isolates (E. faecalis and E. faecium).
Main Results:
- High rates of resistance to penicillin and ampicillin were observed, particularly in E. faecium.
- Vancomycin resistance was not detected; however, high-level gentamicin and streptomycin resistance were prevalent.
- Gemifloxacin and trovafloxacin demonstrated potent activity, with no increased MIC90 values in ampicillin-resistant isolates.
Conclusions:
- Newer fluoroquinolones are effective against multidrug-resistant enterococci.
- These agents are promising for combination therapy in treating infections with ampicillin-resistant, high-level aminoglycoside-resistant enterococci.