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Virulence markers of vancomycin resistant enterococci isolated from infected and colonized patients

Priyanka Paul Biswas1, Sangeeta Dey1, Luna Adhikari2

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar, India.

Journal of Global Infectious Diseases
|December 25, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study investigated virulence factors in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from clinical and gastrointestinal samples. Key findings link specific VRE virulence factors to infections like UTIs, BSIs, and wound infections, highlighting their pathogenic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
  • Understanding VRE virulence factors is crucial for combating infections.
  • This study examines VRE from clinical sources and patient gastrointestinal tracts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the pathogenic role of virulence factors in VRE strains.
  • To compare virulence factor expression in VRE from clinical samples versus colonized patients.
  • To identify associations between specific virulence factors and infection types.

Main Methods:

  • Enterococci were isolated from clinical and fecal samples.
  • Virulence factors were detected using phenotypic tests.
  • Vancomycin resistance was confirmed via standard susceptibility testing methods.

Main Results:

  • 12.0% of isolates exhibited vancomycin resistance or intermediate resistance.
  • Hemagglutinating activity, slime layer formation, and biofilm production were observed in VRE strains.
  • Specific virulence factors like gelatinase, DNase, caseinase, adhesin, and hemolysin were prevalent in different infection types (wound, bloodstream, catheter).

Conclusions:

  • Adhesin production correlates with urinary tract infections.
  • Adhesin and hemolysin are associated with bloodstream infections (BSI).
  • DNase, gelatinase, and caseinase are linked to wound infections.
Keywords:
Blood stream infectionCatheter induced infectionUrinary tract infectionVancomycin intermediate enterococciVancomycin resistant enterococci

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