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Isolation of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in haematologic patients
H F Guiot1, W E Peetermans, F W Sebens
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were not found in children. However, nine adult hematologic patients were carriers of VRE, despite no prior vancomycin exposure, highlighting a potential reservoir in this population.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Septicemia caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) necessitates surveillance for carriers.
- Hematologic patients are a vulnerable population for multidrug-resistant organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant cocci colonization in hematologic patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with VRE carriage.
Main Methods:
- Stool samples were collected from 25 children and 70 adult hematologic patients over six months.
- Cultures were analyzed for vancomycin-resistant cocci, with antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed.
Main Results:
- No vancomycin-resistant cocci were detected in pediatric patients.
- Nine adult patients (12.8%) were positive for vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
- Isolates were highly resistant to vancomycin, sensitive to amoxicillin and daptomycin, and showed variable resistance to gentamicin and teicoplanin.
- None of the VRE-positive adult patients had received vancomycin previously.
Conclusions:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization is present in adult hematologic patients without prior vancomycin exposure.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand transmission dynamics and reservoirs of VRE in this patient group.