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Risk factors for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus colonization in hematologic patients.
Vesna Mioljević1, Ljiljana Marković-Denić2, Ana Vidović3
1Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Hygiene, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia. vesna.mioljevic@gmail.com
Vojnosanitetski Pregled
|January 24, 2014
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) colonization is high in hematology ICU patients. Acute myeloid leukemia and prior carbapenem use are key risk factors for VRE colonization.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat as hospital-acquired pathogens.
- High rates of VRE colonization are observed in intensive care settings.
- Understanding VRE epidemiology in vulnerable patient populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of VRE colonization in patients admitted to a Hematology Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- To identify risk factors associated with VRE colonization in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 70 patients in a Hematology ICU over 3 months.
- Data collection included demographics, antibiotic usage, and risk factors via questionnaires.
- Rectal swabs/feces were cultured for VRE on admission and discharge; susceptibility testing performed.
Main Results:
- VRE colonization was present in 7% of patients upon ICU admission.
- The overall VRE colonization rate during hospitalization reached 41.5%.
- Independent risk factors identified included Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), prior carbapenem use, and prolonged piperacillin/tazobactam use.
Conclusions:
- Hematology ICU patients exhibit a high VRE colonization rate.
- Rational antibiotic stewardship and active surveillance are recommended preventive strategies.
- Addressing identified risk factors can help mitigate VRE spread.
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