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The influence of antibiotic use on the occurrence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci

M Kolar1, K Urbanek, I Vagnerova

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Palacky University, Hnĕvotínská 3, 775-15 Olomouc, Czech Republic. kolar@fnol.cz

Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
|February 16, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antibiotic use, particularly glycopeptides and third-generation cephalosporins, influences vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) occurrence in hospitals. This study in Hemato-Oncology showed a correlation between these antibiotics and VRE rates.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Antibiotic selective pressure is linked to increased vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in hospitals.
  • Key antibiotics implicated include glycopeptides, third-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, and lincosamides.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between antibiotic consumption and VRE occurrence.
  • To analyze trends over a six-year period in a Hemato-Oncology department.
  • To assess the impact of specific antibiotic classes on VRE rates.

Main Methods:

  • VRE and Enterococcus strains were isolated from clinical samples (1998-2003).
  • VRE frequency was measured per 100 bed-days annually.
  • Antibiotic consumption was quantified using the ATC/DDD system (DDD/100 bed-days).

Main Results:

  • VRE occurrence initially decreased then significantly increased between 2001-2003.
  • Overall antibiotic use fluctuated but remained relatively stable.
  • A significant positive correlation was found between VRE occurrence and the use of glycopeptides and third-generation cephalosporins.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms the link between glycopeptide and third-generation cephalosporin use and VRE occurrence.
  • No significant influence of quinolones or lincosamides on VRE rates was observed during the study period.
  • Findings highlight the importance of monitoring specific antibiotic classes in VRE prevention strategies.

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