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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
Therapeutic options for infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci
1Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|April 9, 2009
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections are a growing concern. Newer agents like daptomycin and tigecycline show promise for VRE treatment, while resistance to older drugs like quinupristin-dalfopristin and linezolid is increasing.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- VRE infections primarily affect critical care and immunocompromised patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To offer current therapeutic strategies for VRE infections.
- To review updated in vitro susceptibility data and clinical trial outcomes for VRE treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library.
- Inclusion of in vitro susceptibility data, controlled trials, case series, and cohort studies.
- Data analysis focused on VRE therapy published up to July 2008.
Main Results:
- High VRE resistance observed for ampicillin and aminoglycosides.
- Quinupristin-dalfopristin shows limited efficacy against E. faealis and has side effects.
- Emerging linezolid resistance is linked to prolonged use and hospital spread; quinupristin-dalfopristin resistance associated with agricultural streptogramin use.
Conclusions:
- Nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin are viable options for uncomplicated VRE urinary tract infections.
- Daptomycin and tigecycline demonstrate significant potential for treating VRE infections.
- Monitoring antimicrobial resistance patterns and judicious drug use are crucial for VRE management.
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