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Enterococcal infections: an increasing problem in hospitalized patients
M S Terpenning1, M J Zervos, D R Schaberg
1Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Enterococci infections are common in older adults, particularly in healthcare settings. These bacteria pose significant risks, especially for elderly men, leading to high mortality rates in bloodstream infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Enterococci are increasingly recognized as significant pathogens in healthcare settings.
- Understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of enterococcal infections is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, sources, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of enterococcal infections and colonization.
- To identify patient populations at higher risk for enterococcal infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 157 episodes of enterococcal infection or colonization in 122 patients over six months.
- Data collection on patient demographics, infection sites, acquisition sources, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Most infections (71.3%) occurred in patients over 60 years old.
- Common sites included the urinary tract and bone/soft tissue.
- Nosocomial acquisition was high (74.7%), with significant contributions from hospital transfers (21%).
- Overall mortality was 19.6%, with 71.4% mortality in bacteremic cases.
Conclusions:
- Enterococci are significant pathogens, particularly in elderly male patients within veterans' acute care hospitals and nursing homes.
- Healthcare-associated infections and patient transfers are major contributors to enterococcal burden.
- High mortality associated with bacteremia underscores the severity of these infections.