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Updated: Dec 12, 2025
A 1.5 Hour Procedure for Identification of Enterococcus Species Directly from Blood Cultures
Published on: February 10, 2011
Enterococcus faecium: from microbiological insights to practical recommendations for infection control and
Xuewei Zhou1, Rob J L Willems2, Alexander W Friedrich3
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. x.w.zhou@umcg.nl.
Abstract:
Early in its evolution, Enterococcus faecium acquired traits that allowed it to become a successful nosocomial pathogen. E. faecium inherent tenacity to build resistance to antibiotics and environmental stressors that allows the species to thrive in hospital environments. The continual wide use of antibiotics in medicine has been an important driver in the evolution of E. faecium becoming a highly proficient hospital pathogen.For successful prevention and reduction of nosocomial infections with vancomycin resistant E. faecium (VREfm), it is essential to focus on reducing VREfm carriage and spread. The aim of this review is to incorporate microbiological insights of E. faecium into practical infection control recommendations, to reduce the spread of hospital-acquired VREfm (carriage and infections). The spread of VREfm can be controlled by intensified cleaning procedures, antibiotic stewardship, rapid screening of VREfm carriage focused on high-risk populations, and identification of transmission routes through accurate detection and typing methods in outbreak situations. Further, for successful management of E. faecium, continual innovation in the fields of diagnostics, treatment, and eradication is necessary.
Insights
Preventing vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) hospital infections requires reducing pathogen carriage and spread through enhanced cleaning, antibiotic stewardship, and rapid screening. Innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and eradication is crucial for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Enterococcus faecium has evolved into a successful nosocomial pathogen due to its inherent resistance to antibiotics and environmental stressors.
- Widespread antibiotic use has significantly driven the evolution of E. faecium into a proficient hospital pathogen.
- Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VREfm) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings, necessitating targeted control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review microbiological insights of E. faecium.
- To provide practical infection control recommendations for reducing VREfm spread and carriage.
- To highlight the importance of innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and eradication for managing E. faecium.
Main Methods:
- Literature review incorporating microbiological data.
- Analysis of factors contributing to VREfm prevalence and transmission.
- Synthesis of current infection control practices and future research directions.
Main Results:
- VREfm spread can be controlled through intensified cleaning, antibiotic stewardship, and rapid screening of high-risk populations.
- Accurate detection and typing methods are essential for identifying transmission routes during outbreaks.
- Reducing VREfm carriage and spread is key to preventing and reducing nosocomial infections.
Conclusions:
- Effective VREfm control relies on a multi-faceted approach including environmental hygiene, antimicrobial stewardship, and early detection.
- Continued research and innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, and eradication strategies are vital for combating E. faecium infections.
- Implementing comprehensive infection control measures is essential for mitigating the impact of VREfm in hospital environments.
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