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Community-acquired urinary tract infection caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis clinical isolate
E Aznar1, B Buendía, E García-Peñuela
1Microbiology Department, La Princesa University Hospital, Madrid, Spain. micro@helico bacterspain.com
Summary
This case report details a urinary tract infection caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis in a patient with no recent hospital admissions. The findings highlight the unusual community acquisition of this resistant pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) are a growing concern in healthcare settings.
- Understanding VRE transmission routes, especially in the community, is crucial for public health.
- Enterococcus faecalis is a common cause of urinary tract infections.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old woman presented with a urinary tract infection.
- The infection was caused by Enterococcus faecalis resistant to vancomycin (MIC >128 mg/l) and teicoplanin (MIC 8 mg/l).
- The patient had no recent hospital admissions, suggesting community acquisition.
Findings:
- MicroScan and API confirmed the isolate as Enterococcus faecalis.
- Susceptibility testing (disk diffusion, E-test, broth microdilution) revealed high-level vancomycin and teicoplanin resistance.
- The isolate remained susceptible to ampicillin.
Implications:
- This case suggests possible community transmission of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the transmission dynamics and clinical significance of VRE in non-hospitalized individuals.
- Ampicillin may be a viable treatment option for such infections.