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A 1.5 Hour Procedure for Identification of Enterococcus Species Directly from Blood Cultures
05:02

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Published on: February 10, 2011

Guidelines for the control of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci in hospitals

B D Cookson1, M B Macrae, S P Barrett

  • 1Laboratory of Healthcare Associated Infection, Specialist and Reference Microbiology Division, Health Protection Agency, London, UK.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|November 29, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) pose a significant threat to hospital patients, necessitating updated guidelines for prevention and control. This report offers recommendations for managing GRE, including infection control and antimicrobial prescribing strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Rising incidence of glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) since the mid-1980s.
  • Concerns regarding limited antimicrobial therapy options and the increasing population of immunocompromised patients.
  • Fears of resistance transfer to other pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus have been realized.

Framework:

  • Development of guidelines for GRE emergence and control in hospitals.
  • Literature review on GRE prevention and control strategies.
  • Evidence categorization to support recommendations.

Implementation:

  • Guidance on microbiological investigation, treatment, and management of GRE.
  • Recommendations for antimicrobial prescribing practices.
  • Infection control measures to limit GRE transmission.

Implications:

  • Need for a risk assessment approach to manage GRE.
  • Identified areas for future research and development in GRE control.
  • Mitigation of risks associated with GRE in healthcare settings.

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