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[Glycopeptide-resistant Enterococcus faecium in a hospital in northern Spain. Molecular characterization and clinical

Eva Torres1, Sonia Pérez, Ana Vindel

  • 1Servicio de Microbiología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña, La Coruña, España.

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|May 30, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections are a significant clinical challenge. Prior antibiotic use, including vancomycin, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides, was strongly linked to VRE colonization and infection.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Science

Context:

  • Glycopeptide resistance in Enterococcus species poses a major clinical challenge due to rapid spread and limited treatment options.
  • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) infections are difficult to treat and can transfer resistance to other pathogens.
  • This study investigated VRE strains isolated from hospital patients between 2004 and 2005.

Purpose:

  • To characterize vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains isolated from clinical settings.
  • To identify the genetic basis of glycopeptide resistance and potential virulence factors.
  • To determine risk factors associated with VRE colonization and infection.

Summary:

  • The vanA gene was the most prevalent gene associated with glycopeptide resistance.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) identified five distinct VRE genotypes (A-E), with genotypes A and B being most common.
  • Virulence genes esp and hyl were frequently detected, and the purK1 allele, linked to clonal complex 17, was present in all strains.

Impact:

  • Identified specific antibiotic exposures (cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, vancomycin) as significant risk factors for VRE.
  • Provides crucial data for infection control strategies and antibiotic stewardship programs.
  • Highlights the importance of monitoring VRE epidemiology and resistance mechanisms in clinical settings.

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