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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 10, 2011
Nosocomial infection by gentamicin-resistant Streptococcus faecalis. An epidemiologic study
Annals of Internal Medicine
|May 1, 1987
Summary
High-level gentamicin-resistant enterococci are a significant nosocomial threat. Acquisition is linked to prior antibiotic exposure, patient proximity, and contaminated hospital environments, necessitating infection control measures.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Enterococci are a leading cause of nosocomial infections.
- High-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) in enterococci poses treatment challenges.
- HLGR enterococci represent a substantial proportion of clinical isolates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and risk factors for gentamicin-resistant enterococci acquisition in hospitalized patients.
- To identify potential sources and transmission routes of HLGR enterococci within a healthcare setting.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 100 patients in surgical, thoracic intensive care, and general medical units.
- Collection and analysis of clinical cultures to identify enterococcal isolates.
- Epidemiological investigation including patient exposure, colonization sites, and environmental sampling.
Main Results:
- Ten patients (10%) acquired gentamicin-resistant enterococci.
- Colonization sites included rectal/perineal areas, sternal wounds, and urine.
- Acquisition was associated with prior antimicrobial exposure and patient geographic clustering.
- Resistant strains were found on healthcare personnel hands and environmental surfaces.
- Three of nine patient deaths were linked to enterococcal infections.
Conclusions:
- Gentamicin-resistant enterococci are frequently acquired nosocomially.
- Antimicrobial use and environmental contamination are key factors in transmission.
- Effective infection control strategies are crucial to prevent the spread of resistant enterococci.
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