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Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
Surveillance and endemic vancomycin-resistant enterococci: some success in control is possible
M Morris-Downes1, E G Smyth, J Moore
1Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|April 6, 2010
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) surveillance and control measures, including isolation and hygiene programs, helped reduce VRE bloodstream infections and colonization in an Irish hospital. These strategies proved effective even in resource-limited settings with endemic VRE.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings globally.
- VRE is endemic in many Irish hospitals, necessitating effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of surveillance and control interventions on VRE prevalence and bloodstream infections (BSI) in an endemic Irish hospital.
- To assess the effectiveness of a multi-faceted approach to VRE control.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of surveillance data from 2001-2008, including VRE screening and susceptibility testing.
- Implementation of interventions: patient isolation/cohorting, prevalence surveys, electronic alerts, hygiene programs, and antibiotic pharmacist appointment.
- Statistical analysis, including linear regression, to identify associations between VRE cases and control measures.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in VRE screening positivity was observed from 2001 to 2006, followed by a decrease in 2007.
- VRE bloodstream infections (BSI) significantly increased until 2005, then subsequently decreased.
- A significant association was found between new VRE cases and non-isolated VRE patients.
Conclusions:
- Routine VRE surveillance combined with targeted interventions can effectively control VRE BSI and colonization.
- The implemented strategies demonstrated success in managing VRE even in a resource-constrained environment where VRE is endemic.
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