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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Multi-locus Variable-number Tandem-repeat Analysis of the Fish-pathogenic Bacterium Yersinia ruckeri by Multiplex PCR and Capillary Electrophoresis
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Innovative Analysis of the Sequenced Patterns of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Strains to Determine Clonal

Roy F Chemaly1, Shashank S Ghantoji1, Thomas Huber2

  • 11Department of Infectious Diseases,Infection Control, and Employee Health,The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center,Houston Texas.

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|September 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Genetically identical vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) strains frequently recurred in cancer patients undergoing leukemia and stem cell transplants. These VRE infections often reappeared within the same hospital units, indicating persistent transmission risks.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat in healthcare settings, particularly to immunocompromised patients.
  • Leukemia and stem cell transplant (SCT) units are high-risk environments for VRE acquisition due to patient vulnerability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency of genetically indistinguishable VRE strains in patients on leukemia and SCT units.
  • To understand the recurrence patterns and potential transmission of VRE within these critical care areas.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of VRE isolates from patients over a one-year period at a major cancer center.
  • Utilized genetic typing to identify recurring, indistinguishable VRE strains.

Main Results:

  • Identified 14 instances of recurring, genetically identical VRE strains.
  • Recurrences predominantly occurred within the same hospital floor and service unit.
  • The average time between recurrences was 49 days.

Conclusions:

  • Genetically identical VRE strains frequently recur in vulnerable patient populations within cancer centers.
  • Findings suggest ongoing transmission and challenges in VRE control in leukemia and SCT units.
  • Highlights the need for enhanced infection control strategies to mitigate VRE spread in high-risk hospital settings.

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