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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
08:58

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Published on: March 3, 2023

[Molecular analysis of vancomycin-resistant enterococci isolated from clinical samples]

Abdullah Kiliç1, Zeynep Senses, Hakan Aydoğan

  • 1GATA Mikrobiyoloji ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dall, Etlik, Ankara.

Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni
|January 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) strains carrying the VanA gene are causing sporadic infections. Molecular typing confirmed these VRE strains are distinct, highlighting the importance of tracking resistant organisms.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Context:

  • Enterococcus species are common gut bacteria that can cause serious infections like endocarditis and bacteremia.
  • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) infections are a growing concern, often treated with vancomycin and teicoplanin.
  • The VanA gene is the most prevalent resistance gene in VRE in Turkey.

Purpose:

  • To molecularly characterize four vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains from a hospital.
  • To determine the specific vancomycin resistance genes present in these strains using molecular methods.

Summary:

  • Four VRE strains (three from blood, one from cerebrospinal fluid) were analyzed between 2000-2004.
  • Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed genetic diversity among the isolates based on Tenover criteria.
  • Polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of the VanA gene in all analyzed strains.

Impact:

  • Identifies VanA-carrying VRE as causative agents of sporadic infections in the hospital setting.
  • Emphasizes the critical role of molecular epidemiological studies for effective infection control.
  • Provides insights into the genetic profiles of VRE strains circulating in a specific healthcare environment.

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