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Beta-lactam antibiotics and gastrointestinal colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci
Louis B Rice1, Rebecca Hutton-Thomas, Viera Lakticova
1Medical and Research Services, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, The Cleveland Veterans Affairs Research and Education Foundation, and Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. louis.rice@med.va.gov
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|March 5, 2004
Summary
Different beta-lactam antibiotics impact vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) colonization risk differently. Antibiotics with high bile concentration and antienterococcal activity, like piperacillin-tazobactam, showed varied effects, while others promoted VRE colonization.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) is a significant healthcare-associated pathogen.
- Gastrointestinal colonization by VRE is a critical step preceding invasive infection.
- Understanding factors influencing VRE colonization is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of various beta-lactam antibiotics on VRE colonization in a mouse model.
- To determine the relationship between antibiotic properties (biliary excretion, antienterococcal activity) and VRE colonization.
- To identify beta-lactam agents associated with increased or decreased VRE colonization risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model to assess gastrointestinal colonization by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium C68.
- Administered different beta-lactam antibiotics subcutaneously.
- Evaluated VRE colonization levels in stool samples following antibiotic exposure.
Main Results:
- Antibiotics lacking significant antienterococcal activity and high biliary concentration (aztreonam, cefazolin, cefepime, ceftazidime) did not promote VRE colonization.
- Piperacillin-tazobactam showed initial inhibition but increased VRE counts with repeated exposure.
- Ceftriaxone and cefotetan, lacking antienterococcal activity but with high biliary concentration, led to rapid, high-level VRE colonization.
Conclusions:
- The risk of VRE colonization is influenced by the specific beta-lactam antibiotic administered.
- Biliary concentration and intrinsic antienterococcal activity are key factors determining VRE colonization risk.
- These findings have implications for antibiotic selection and VRE infection prevention strategies.