Enterococcal resistance--an overview

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Nosocomial acquisition of multidrug-resistant microorganisms poses a significant threat to patient safety.
• Enterococcus is a notable nosocomial pathogen, with increasing antimicrobial resistance.
• The emergence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is particularly problematic due to co-resistance to ampicillin and aminoglycosides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the issue of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus.
• To highlight the challenges posed by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.
• To emphasize the importance of controlling the prevalence of resistant strains.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus.
• Analysis of factors contributing to VRE colonization and infection.
• Discussion of control strategies for resistant strains.

Main Results:

• Enterococcus species are significant contributors to nosocomial infections.
• Vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus, often combined with ampicillin and aminoglycoside resistance, leads to severe therapeutic consequences.
• Multiple factors facilitate VRE colonization, infection, environmental contamination, and cross-infection.

Conclusions:

• Controlling the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus is crucial for patient safety.
• Environmental contamination and cross-infection are key aspects of VRE spread.
• Multifaceted control efforts are necessary to decrease the incidence of these resistant strains.