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Enterococcal infections with special reference to phenotypic characterization & drug resistance
M G Karmarkar1, Edwin S Gershom, P R Mehta
1Department of Microbiology, Seth G.S. Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India. rajivkarmarkar@yahoo.com
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|July 3, 2004
Summary
This study identified multidrug-resistant enterococci, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), in clinical samples. Accurate susceptibility testing is crucial for managing these emerging infections.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Enterococci are a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Prevalence and characteristics of enterococcal infections in India require further investigation.
- Understanding antimicrobial susceptibility is vital for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify enterococci from clinical specimens.
- To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated enterococci.
- To investigate the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in India.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of enterococci using bile esculin azide agar (BEAA).
- Phenotypic characterization including Gram staining, vancomycin disk diffusion, and PYR testing.
- Species identification via biochemical tests and vancomycin resistance determination using MIC values.
Main Results:
- 52 enterococcal isolates (10 E. faecalis, 42 E. faecium) were recovered from 534 specimens.
- 12 isolates exhibited vancomycin resistance (MIC > 4 microg/ml) but remained sensitive to teicoplanin (vanB type).
- The study highlights the presence of multidrug-resistant strains.
Conclusions:
- Multidrug-resistant enterococci and VRE are emerging concerns.
- Accurate and reliable susceptibility testing methods are essential for VRE detection.
- Further surveillance is needed to monitor enterococcal infections in India.