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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates
Published on: February 17, 2023
[Clinical and epidemiologic analysis of intestinal tract colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci in an
A M Togneri1, A Corso, J González
1Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos Evita, Rio de Janeiro 1910 (1824), Lanús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. anatogneri66@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Intestinal tract colonization with vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) was studied during five months and 25 days. Out of 171 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit, 124 (73%) were included in this study. Thirty five of them (28%) were recognized as colonized with VRE. VRE isolates (n = 35) were identified as Enterococcus faecium (n = 18), Enterococcus gallinarum (n = 16), and Enterococcus raffinosus (n = 1). All of them were resistant to vancomycin (MIC90 = 512 microg/ml) and to teicoplanin (MIC90 = 32 microg/ml), having the vanA gene. By means of molecular methods a high homology was found among E. faecium and E. gallinarum isolates, respectively, suggesting their spread as a kind of outbreak. No significant differences in age or sex were found among colonized and non-colonized patients (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the hospitalization time and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics were associated with colonization. From this study we highlight the importance of enhancing all measures of control and prevention of hospital infections, carefully analyzing the empiric antimicrobial schemes, trying to reduce the hospital stage, and following the surveillance to evaluate the efficacy of such procedures.
Insights
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization affects 28% of ICU patients. Hospitalization time and broad-spectrum antibiotics increase VRE risk, necessitating enhanced infection control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Context:
- Intensive care units (ICUs) are high-risk environments for healthcare-associated infections.
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat due to limited treatment options.
- Understanding VRE colonization dynamics is crucial for effective infection control.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal tract colonization with VRE in an ICU.
- To identify the species of VRE colonizing patients and analyze their genetic relatedness.
- To assess the association between VRE colonization and patient demographics, hospitalization duration, and antibiotic use.
Summary:
- A 5-month study of 124 ICU patients found 28% colonized with VRE.
- VRE isolates were primarily Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus gallinarum, all carrying the vanA gene and exhibiting resistance to vancomycin and teicoplanin.
- Molecular analysis revealed high homology among E. faecium and E. gallinarum isolates, suggesting an outbreak.
- Colonization was significantly associated with longer hospitalization and broad-spectrum antibiotic use, but not age or sex.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of stringent infection control measures in ICUs.
- Emphasizes the need for careful antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance to combat VRE.
- Suggests strategies to reduce hospital stays and optimize antibiotic regimens to mitigate VRE spread.
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