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Related Experiment Videos

The epidemiology of enterococci.

C Chenoweth1, D Schaberg

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48105.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|February 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Enterococci cause significant hospital-acquired infections. Preventing spread of resistant enterococci involves barrier precautions and judicious antibiotic use.

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Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Epidemiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Enterococci are a major cause of nosocomial infections, representing about 10% of hospital-acquired infections.
  • While typically part of the normal human gut flora, enterococci can colonize various body sites in asymptomatic patients.
  • Historically, enterococcal infections were thought to originate from endogenous flora, but recent evidence suggests exogenous acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the increasing significance of enterococci as nosocomial pathogens.
  • To explore the modes of transmission, including endogenous and exogenous routes.
  • To identify factors contributing to the rising incidence of enterococcal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and studies on enterococcal infections.
  • Analysis of transmission dynamics, including person-to-person spread.
  • Evaluation of the role of antibiotic use in the prevalence of enterococcal infections.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies indicate exogenous acquisition of enterococci is possible.
  • Person-to-person transmission, particularly via healthcare worker hands, is a significant factor in spreading resistant strains.
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotic use, notably cephalosporins, contributes to the increased incidence of enterococcal infections.

Conclusions:

  • Implementing barrier precautions, similar to those used for other resistant nosocomial pathogens, is recommended.
  • More judicious antibiotic stewardship is crucial for controlling the spread of resistant enterococci.
  • Combined strategies of enhanced infection control and antibiotic management can mitigate nosocomial enterococcal infections.

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