Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
08:58
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
[Risk factors associated to vancomycin-resistant enterococccus colonization in the Army Hospital in Santiago]
Stephanie Braun J1, Alberto Fica C, Daniela Andrighetti B
1Laboratorio de Microbiología, Hospital Militar del General Luis Felipe Brieba Aran, Santiago, Chile. stbraun@mi.cl
Summary
Surveillance of Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization in Chilean ICUs from 2002-2008 revealed increasing rates. Prolonged hospitalization and recent admission were key risk factors for VRE intestinal colonization.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) emergence prompted national surveillance recommendations in Chile.
- Surveillance focused on intensive care units (ICUs) and onco-hematological wards from 2002 to 2008.
Purpose:
- To report VRE intestinal colonization rates and identify associated risk factors in critical care patients.
- To analyze trends in VRE colonization over a seven-year period.
Summary:
- Colonization rates increased from 0.03 to 0.18 cases per 1000 bed-days between 2003 and 2008.
- Univariate analysis identified hospitalization in ICU, antibiotic use (especially imipenem/colistin), and prolonged stays (>10 days) as potential risk factors.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed that prolonged hospitalization (>10 days) and admission year (pre- vs. post-2007) were significant predictors of VRE colonization.
Impact:
- Findings inform infection control strategies for VRE in high-risk hospital settings.
- Highlights the importance of considering patient's length of stay and admission timing in VRE surveillance protocols.
- Contributes to understanding VRE epidemiology in Chile and guiding public health interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:24Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...