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Vancomycin-resistant enterococci in a Chinese hospital

S Li1, Z Zhang, Z H Mi

  • 1Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, People's Hospital of Peking University, No. 11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China.

Current Microbiology
|July 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study identified vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VREs) in a Chinese hospital using multiplex PCR. Early detection methods are crucial for managing VRE infections and their associated antimicrobial resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical microbiology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Molecular diagnostics

Background:

  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
  • Understanding the prevalence and genetic characteristics of VRE is essential for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of VRE in a Chinese hospital.
  • To characterize the vancomycin resistance genotypes of detected VRE isolates.
  • To evaluate the utility of multiplex PCR for rapid VRE detection and genotyping.

Main Methods:

  • Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for VRE detection.
  • VITEK 2, microbroth dilution, and E-test for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
  • Sequencing of van genes for genotypic identification.

Main Results:

  • Eleven VRE isolates were detected, including various species and van genotypes (VanA, VanB, VanC1, VanC2).
  • Multiplex PCR provided rapid detection and van genotype information, outperforming phenotypic methods.
  • This study is the first to sequence van genes of VRE isolates in China, identifying VanB type.

Conclusions:

  • Multiplex PCR is a valuable tool for rapid VRE detection and genotypic characterization.
  • The presence of diverse VRE strains, including VanB type, highlights the need for vigilant surveillance in China.
  • Early detection of VRE is vital to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

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